Aeon 350cc, Service Manual

Page: 182 / 192

ELECTRICAL
7-182
Following are three tests, which can easily be made on a
battery to determine its condition: OCV Test, Specific Gravity
Test and Load Test.
SEALED LOW MAINTENANCE BATTERY --
OCV – OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
Battery voltage should be checked with a digital
Multi-tester. Readings of 12.8 volts or less require further
battery testing and charging. See charts and Load Test.
NOTE: Lead-acid batteries should be kept at or near a
full charge as possible. If the battery is stored or
used in a partially charged condition, or with low
electrolyte levels, hard crystal sulfa ion will form on
the plates, reducing the efficiency and service life of
the battery.
NOTE: Use a voltmeter or multi-meter to test batter
voltage.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
State of charge Maintenance Free Low Maintenance
Type
100%
75% Charged
50% Charged
25% Charged
0% Charged
13.0V
12.80V
12.50V
12.20V
Less than 12.0V
12.70V
12.50V
12.20V
12.0V
Less than 11.9V
* At 28
℃
NOTE: Subtract .01 from the specific gravity reading
at 0
℃ ℃ ℃ ℃
.
SEALED LOW MAINTENANCE BATTERY
LOAD TEST
Whenever removing or reinstalling the battery,
disconnect the negative (black) cable first and
reinstall the negative cable last!
NOTE: This test can only be performed on machines
with electric starters. This test cannot be performed
with an engine or starting system that is not working
properly.
A battery may indicate a full charge condition in the OCV test
and the specific gravity test, but still may not have the storage
capacity necessary to properly function in the electrical
system. For this reason, a battery capacity or load test should
be conducted whenever poor battery performance is
encountered. To perform this test, hook a multi-tester to the
battery in the same manner as was done in the OCV test. The
reading should be 12.6 volts or greater. Engage the starter and
observe the battery voltage while cranking the engine.
Continue the test for 15 seconds. During cranking the observed
voltage should not drop below 9.5 volts. If the beginning
voltage is 12.6 volts or higher and the cranking voltage drops
below 9.5 volts during the test, replace the battery.
SEALED LOW MAINTENANCE BATTERY
OFF—SEASON STORAGE
To prevent battery damage during extended periods of
non-use, the following basic battery maintenance items must
be performed:
◎
Remove the battery from the machine and wash the case
and battery tray with a mild solution of baking soda and water.
Rinse with lots of fresh water after cleaning.
◎ Using a wire brush or knife, remove any corrosion from the
cables and terminals.
◎
Charge at a rate no greater than 1/10 of the battery’s
amp/hr capacity until the voltage reaches 13.0VDC or greater.
◎
Store the battery either in the machine with the cables
disconnected, or store in a cool place.
NOTE: Stored batteries lose their charge at the rate of
up to 1% per day. Recharge to full capacity every 30
to 60 days during a non-use period. If the battery is
stored during the winter months, electrolyte will
freeze at higher temperatures as the battery
discharges. The chart below indicates freezing points
by specific gravity.