Club Car 1997 DS, Maintenance Service Supplement

Page: 135 / 164

Page 127
G
12
2. Club Car recommends a group 70, side-post battery (Club Car Part No. 1012328), with a 460 cold-
cranking amp rating and a reserve capacity of 85 minutes. The group 70 classification indicates battery
size (8 1/4 inches W x 6 1/2 inches D x 7 1/4 inches H). It is important to use the proper size to ensure
that the battery hold-down will fit correctly and will properly secure the battery in the vehicle frame.
Preventive Maintenance
To keep the battery in good operating condition, follow these steps on a regular basis.
1. Any corrosion build-up on or around the battery should be removed immediately. Post connections
should be clean and tight. Any frayed or worn wires should be replaced. After battery cables have been
connected, coat connectors with Battery Protector Spray (Club Car Part No. 1014305) to ward off
future corrosion.
2. The battery should be kept clean and dry to prevent self-discharge. Any dirt, grime or acid spillage
should be removed. Wash the battery with a bristle brush using water and bicarbonate of soda (baking
soda-1 cup per gallon). Rinse with water. Do not allow solution to enter battery through the vent cap
holes (See Self-Discharge below).
3. Maintain proper water level (See Water Level below, and Figure 12-55, Page 129).
4. Check battery periodically to see that it is in a full state of charge (See Battery Charging, Page 131).
5. Keep battery hold-down brackets tight (See Vibration Damage, Page 128).
Self-Discharge
1. Dirt and battery acid can provide a path for a small current draw that can slowly discharge the battery.
To prevent self-discharge, the battery should always be kept clean.
2. Hot weather also has an effect on a battery’s self-discharge rate. The higher the temperature, the
quicker a battery will discharge. In hotter climates, therefore, the battery should be checked more often.
When storing the battery, keep in a cool place (See Battery Storage, Page 132).
Water Level
Add water only after charging unless the water is below the level of the plates. Filling a battery before charg-
ing will result in overfilling, because the electrolyte level will rise during charging and some of the electrolyte
may bubble out of the cap. This reduces the battery capacity and corrodes the metal parts around it.
The water level should be checked weekly to be sure water is at its proper level (Figure 12-55, Page 129).
Never allow the water level to fall below the tops of the plates because this will cause the exposed part of the
plate to become permanently inactive. Check the water level more frequently in hot weather or when the bat-
tery becomes old.
Mineral Content
For the longest battery life, distilled water should be used in the battery. However, if tap water is to be used,
contact your local water department to be sure the mineral contents are below the levels listed in the table.
IMPURITY
ALLOWABLE CONTENT IN PARTS PER
MILLION
SUSPENDED MATTER TRACE
TOTAL SOLIDS 100.0
CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM OXIDES 40.0
IRON 5.0
AMMONIA 8.0
ORGANIC MATTER 50.0
CHART CONTINUED ON PAGE 128.