BATTERIES & CHARGING
Page H-3
Repair and Service Manual
Read all of Section B and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to all Notices, Cautions, Dangers and Warnings.
Automatic watering devices such as the one included in
the Battery Maintenance Kit (P/N 25587-G01) can be
used with an approved water source (Ref Fig. 3). These
watering devices are
fast and accurate
to use and
maintain the correct electrolyte level within the battery
cells.
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 Sched-
ule (Ref. GENERAL INFORMATION & ROUTINE MAIN-
TENANCE).
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 wa-
ter 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 bicarbon-
ate (baking soda) and water. This solution is best ap-
plied 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 at-
tention should be paid to metallic components adjacent
to the batteries which should also be sprayed with the
sodium bicarbonate (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 batteries
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 com-
plete battery cleaning and watering are contained in the
Battery Maintenance Kit (P/N 25587-G01).
Fig. 3 Automatic Watering Gun
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
Fig. 4 Preparing Acid Neutralizing Solution
1 quart
(1 liter)
Clear Water
2 Teaspoons (10 ml)
Sodium Bicarbonate
(Baking Soda)
Plastic
Spray
Bottle
