BATTERIES
Battery Care
Page 14-4
2006 IQ Plus System Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Service Supplement
14
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 bat-
teries, keep in a cool place.
See Battery Storage on page 14-13.
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
CAUT ION
• 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.
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.
Figure 14-4 Battery Electrolyte Level
ELECTROLYTE
LEVEL AT LEAST
1/2 IN. (13 mm)
ABOVE PLATES
OR TO
LEVEL INDICATOR
PLATES
LEVEL
INDICATOR
BATTERY
CAP
