25
Battery Care
BATTERIES: ELECTRIC VEHICLES
1
3
2
1. Level Indicator
2. Cap
3. Plates
Electrolyte level at least 1/2 inch (13 mm) above plates or to
level indicator.
17
Figure 25-2
Battery Electrolyte Level
Add water only after charging unless the electrolyte is below the level of the plates. If the electrolyte level is below the
level of the plates, add just enough water to cover the plates and then charge the batteries. After charging, fill with
water to the level indicator. Filling a battery to the level indicator before charging 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’s capacity and corrodes the metal parts around it.
The electrolyte level should be checked weekly to be sure electrolyte is at its proper level
Never allow the electrolyte level to fall below the tops of the plates because this will cause the exposed part of the plate
to become permanently inactive. For best results, use a battery watering gun to add water to batteries. Check the
electrolyte level more frequently in hot weather or when batteries are old.
MINERAL CONTENT
For the longest battery life, use distilled water in batteries. However, if tap water is to be used, be sure the mineral
contents are below these levels:
IMPURITY
ALLOWABLE CONTENT
(PARTS PER MILLION)
EFFECTS OF IMPURITY
Suspended matter
Trace
—
Total solids
100.0
—
Calcium
40.0
Increase of positive shedding
Magnesium
40.0
Reduced life
Iron
3.0
Increased self-discharge at both plates,
lower on-charge voltage
Ammonia
8.0
Slight self-discharge of both plates
Organic matter
50.0
Corrosion of positive plate
TABLE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Page 25-4
2007-2009 Turf 252, Carryall 252 and XRT 900 Maintenance and Service Manual
