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MAINTENANCE
Read all of this manual to become thoroughly familiar with this vehicle. Pay particular attention to all Notices, Cautions, Warnings, and Dangers.
5
BATTERY CLEANING
To reduce the possibility of damage to vehicle or floor, neutralize acid before rinsing battery.
To reduce the possibility of damage to electrical components while cleaning, do not use a pressure washer.
Cleaning should take place per the Periodic Service Schedule (Ref. Periodic Service Schedule)
When cleaning the outside of the battery and terminals, first spray with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda) and water to neutralize any acid deposits before rinsing with clear water.
Use of a water hose without first neutralizing any acid, will move acid from the top of the battery to another area of
the vehicle or storage facility where it will attack the metal structure or the concrete/asphalt floor. Additionally, a resi-
due will be left on the battery which is conductive and will contribute to the discharge of the battery.
To reduce the possibility of battery explosion that could result in severe injury or death, do not
use metallic spray wand to clean battery and keep all smoking materials, open flame or sparks
away from the battery.
The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top
and sides of the battery with a solution of sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and water. The solution
should consist of 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and 1 quart (1 liter)
clear water mixed in a plastic spray bottle. In addi-
tion to the battery, special attention should be paid
to metal components adjacent to the battery which
should also be sprayed with the sodium bicarbon-
ate (baking soda) solution.
Allow the solution to sit for at least three minutes; use a soft bristle brush or cloth to wipe the tops of the battery to
remove any residue that could contribute to the self discharge of the battery. Rinse the entire area with low pressure
clear water. Do not use a pressure washer.
BRAKES
To reduce the possibility of severe injury or death, always evaluate pedal travel before operating
a vehicle to verify some braking function is present.
All driving brake tests must be done in a safe location with regard for the safety of all personnel.
Over time, a subtle loss of performance may take place; therefore, it is important to establish the standard with a new vehicle.
The Periodic Brake Performance Test should be performed regularly as an evaluation of braking system perfor-
mance. It is useful as a method of identifying subtle loss of performance over time.
Periodic Brake Test For Hydraulic Brakes
Depress the brake pedal; the pedal should have some free travel and then become hard. A brake pedal that has no
free travel, excessive free travel or a spongy feel indicates that a brake inspection is required. A brake pedal that
fails after it is applied indicates a leak in the master or wheel cylinders.
1 quart
(1 liter)
Clear Water
2 Teaspoons
(10 ml)
Sodium
Bicarbonate
(Baking Soda)
Plastic
Spray
Bottle
NOTICE
