Storage – Electric Vehicles
4.
Place the Tow/Run switch in the TOW position. Because the battery warning light does not illuminate with
the key in the OFF position and the Tow/Run switch in TOW, do not use the warning light as an indication of
the batteries’ state of charge.
NOTE:
If Visage or Guardian units are installed on vehicles and remote monitoring will be used during the storage
period, make sure the Tow/Run Switch remains in the RUN position rather than in the TOW position required
for all other vehicles.
5.
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. Let the terminals dry and then coat them with Battery Terminal Protector Spray.
6.
Tighten all battery cable connections to 110 in·lb.
7.
Store vehicle in a cool, dry place. This will minimize battery self-discharge.
8.
Adjust tires to recommended tire pressure.
See Vehicle Specifications – Electric Vehicle on page 52.
9.
Perform semiannual periodic lubrication.
See Periodic Lubrication Schedules on page 36.
10. Thoroughly clean front body, rear body, seats, battery compartment, and underside of vehicle.
11. Do not engage the park brake. Chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
NOTE:
It is recommended that the vehicles be plugged in and the electrolyte level maintained throughout the storage
period. If any of the following conditions exist, however, then disconnect the batteries for storage: 1) The
charger cannot remain plugged in, 2) AC power will not be available during extended storage, or 3) Electrolyte
levels will not be maintained. To disconnect batteries for storage, go to step 13.
12. To keep batteries fully charged during storage:
12.1. Plug the battery charger into the car. Leave battery chargers plugged in during storage. The onboard
computer (OBC) will automatically activate the charger when necessary.
12.2. Check the electrolyte level and charger function monthly to ensure that proper operation is maintained.
To check charger function, disconnect the DC cord (stationary charger) from the vehicle or the AC cord
(onboard charger) from the power source, wait five seconds, then reconnect it. The charger is functioning
properly if the ammeter indicates current.
NOTE: The OBC keeps track of the time spent in storage mode. When the OBC detects that the storage charge
cycles may have depleted the available electrolyte, it will stop the charger from further operation.
Disconnecting then reconnecting the DC cord (stationary charger) or AC cord (onboard charger) indicates the
electrolyte levels have been maintained and allows the OBC to resume operation.
12.3. If AC power is off for 7 days or longer, the OBC will not function or charge the vehicle again until it has
been restarted. To restart the computer, make sure AC power has been restored, disconnect the DC
cord (stationary charger) from the vehicle or the AC cord (onboard charger) from the power source, wait
five seconds, then reconnect it.
CAUTION
• Be sure to check the batteries and charger monthly to maintain correct battery water level and to
ensure the charger is operating correctly during storage.
13. To disconnect the batteries for storage:
13.1. Disconnect B negative (-) battery cable that comes from the OBC and secure it in a way that ensures the
cable will not come into contact with battery terminal.
RETURNING THE STORED ELECTRIC VEHICLE TO SERVICE
1.
If necessary, connect batteries.
See Connecting the Batteries – Electric Vehicles on page 14.
2.
Fully charge batteries.
Page 30
Villager 6 and 8 Owner’s Manual
