Page C-3
Repair and Service Manual
B
B
BATTERIES AND CHARGING
Read all of Section B and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
maintain the correct electrolyte level within the battery
cells.
Fig. 3 Automatic Watering Gun
The watering device should only be used if the electrolyte
level is less than 1/2" (13 mm) above top of plates.
Cleaning Batteries
To reduce the possibility of damage to vehicle or floor,
neutralize acid before rinsing batteries.
To reduce possible damage to electrical components
while cleaning, do not use pressure washer to clean
batteries.
Cleaning should take place per Periodic Service
Schedule (Ref. GENERAL INFORMATION & ROUTINE
MAINTENANCE).
When cleaning the outside of the batteries and termi-
nals, do not use a water hose without first spraying with
a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
water to neutralize any acid deposits.
Use of a water hose without first neutralizing any acid,
will move acid from the top of the batteries to another
area of the vehicle or storage facility where it will attack
the metal structure or the concrete/asphalt floor. After
hosing down the batteries, a residue will be left on the
batteries which is conductive and will contribute to the
discharge of the batteries.
To prevent battery damage, be sure that all battery
caps are tightly installed.
The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top and
sides of the batteries with a solution of sodium bicar-
bonate (baking soda) and water. This solution is best
applied with a quart sized hand sprayer. The solution
should consist of 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of sodium bicar-
bonate (baking soda) mixed with 1 quart (1 liter) of
clear water (Ref. Fig. 4). In addition to the batteries,
special attention should be paid to metallic components
adjacent to the batteries which should also be sprayed
with the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) solution.
Fig. 4 Preparing Acid Neutralizing Solution
Allow the solution to sit for at least three minutes; use a
soft bristle brush or cloth to wipe the tops of the batter-
ies in order to remove any residue that could cause the
self discharge of the battery. Rinse the entire area with
low pressure clear water. All of the items required for
complete battery cleaning and watering are contained
in the Battery Maintenance Kit (P/N 25587-G01).
Watering gun similar to the type included in the
Battery Maintenance Kit
Pure Water
Valve consistently
fills to a
predetermined
level
Electrolyte
Level
Single Battery Cell
NOTICE
1 quart
(1 liter)
Clear Water
2 Teaspoons (10 ml)
Sodium Bicarbonate
(Baking Soda)
Plastic
Spray
Bottle
