12
Battery
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
Water Level
The water level should be checked semi-annually to ensure the proper level is maintained
.
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 and when the battery becomes old.
Vibration Damage
The battery hold-down clamp should always be tight enough to keep the battery from bouncing. Battery life may be
severely shortened if the clamp is too loose. Excessive vibration shortens the life of the battery. It may also cause acid
to leak from the vent caps and corrosion to build up on surrounding metal parts. The acid that is lost reduces the
capacity of the battery and cannot be replaced.
Mineral Content
For the longest battery life, distilled water should be used in the battery. However, if tap water is going to be used,
contact your local water department to be sure mineral contents are below the levels listed in the following table.
See
following NOTE.
NOTE:
Contact your local water department for mineral content analysis.
IMPURITY
ALLOWABLE CONTENT (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
Nitrates
10.0
Nitrites
5.0
Chloride
5.0
Battery Removal
See General Warning on page 1-2.
1.
Disconnect battery and spark plug wire(s).
See Disconnecting the Battery – Gasoline Vehicles on page 1-4.
2.
Remove the battery hold-down located on the bottom of the battery.
3.
Remove the battery.
See following WARNING.
WARNING
• Keep the battery in an upright position to prevent electrolyte leakage. Tipping the battery beyond a
45° angle in any direction can allow a small amount of electrolyte to leak out of the vent hole. Do not
exceed this 45° angle when lifting, carrying or installing battery. The battery acid could cause severe
personal injury when accidentally coming in contact with the skin or eyes and could damage clothing.
Charging the Battery
See General Warning on page 1-2.
1.
Charge the battery with an automotive type 12-volt battery charger. Follow all warnings and procedures supplied
by the battery charger manufacturer.
2.
Attach the charger, positive (+) cable to the positive (+) battery post and negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
battery post.
3.
The battery may be charged with a slow charge (3-10 amps) or a fast charge (20-30 amps). Charge until the
specific gravity reaches 1.250.
See following WARNING.
Page 12-14
2009-2012 XRT 950 Maintenance and Service Manual
