BATTERIES: ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Battery Care
25
BATTERY CARE
See General Warning on page 1-1.
WARNING
• Ensure battery connections are clean and properly tightened.
• Use only 4-gauge (AWG) wires with low-resistance terminals to replace battery wires on IQ Plus
models.
• If battery wire terminals are damaged or corroded, they should be replaced or cleaned as necessary.
Failure to do so may cause them to overheat during operation and could result in a fire, property
damage, or personal injury.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
To keep batteries in sound operating condition, follow these steps on a regular basis.
1.
Any corrosion build-up on or around batteries should be removed immediately. Terminal connections should be
clean and tight. Any frayed or worn wires should be replaced. After all cables have been connected, coat all
terminals with Battery Terminal Protector Spray (CCI P/N 1014305) to help prevent future corrosion.
2.
Batteries should be clean and free of corrosion. Wash tops and terminals of batteries with a solution of baking
soda and water (1 cup (237 mL) baking soda per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water). Rinse solution off batteries. Do not
allow this solution to enter the batteries. Be sure terminals are tight. Let the terminals dry and then coat them with
Battery Terminal Protector Spray (CCI P/N 1014305).
See Self-Discharge on page 25-3.
3.
Maintain proper electrolyte level.
See Electrolyte Level on page 25-3.
4.
Batteries should be properly charged every day they are used. Check the batteries periodically to see that they
are in a full state of charge.
See Battery Charging on page 25-5.
5.
Keep hold-downs tight.
See Vibration Damage on page 25-5.
SELF-DISCHARGE
Contaminants on dirty batteries can provide a path for a small current draw that can slowly discharge batteries, thus
wasting valuable energy. To prevent self-discharge, batteries should always be kept clean.
Hot weather also has an effect on a battery’s self-discharge rate. The higher the temperature, the quicker a set of
batteries will discharge. In hotter climates, batteries should be checked more often. When storing batteries, keep in
a cool place.
See Battery Storage on page 25-12.
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
CAUTION
• Do not allow battery acid from battery caps or hydrometer to drip onto the front or rear body of the
vehicle. Battery acid will cause permanent damage. Wash immediately.
2007-2009 Turf 252, Carryall 252 and XRT 900 Maintenance and Service Manual
Page 25-3