Lotus 2005 Elise, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 134 / 205

charged. If, in an emergency, the car has to be ‘jump’ started,
the subsequent conditions of car use may not allow for sufficient
alternator charging of the battery to achieve a fully charged
state. The battery should be trickle charged until 12.8 volts is
recorded, which process may take 24 hours or longer. Putting
the battery into service at a lower state of charge will reduce
the time period for which the car can be parked. A battery left
in a fully discharged state for a prolonged period, may not be
recoverable to its original condition.
WARNING:
• Hydrogen gas generated by the battery could cause an
explosion, resulting in severe personal injuries.
• Charge battery in a well ventilated area.
• Never charge a frozen battery. It may explode because
of gas trapped in the ice. Allow a frozen battery to thaw
out first.
• If you get electrolyte, which is an acid, in your eyes or on
your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for several
minutes and call a doctor.
Unless you are using an automatic battery management
conditioner, the battery should be removed from the car for
recharging, to a well ventilated area to avoid a build up of fumes
in the luggage compartment and to prevent damage to the car's
electrical system. Observe the safety precautions listed above
when removing the battery and take care to avoid sharp knocks
or shocks, keeping the battery as upright as possible. Beware
of the considerable weight of a battery, and take necessary
precautions against personal injury.
Check that the electrolyte level is between the upper and
lower markers on the battery case, and if necessary add dis-
tilled water. The recommended bench charge rate is 4 amps.
When the battery is fully charged (12.8 volts), allow the battery
to stand for an hour before refitting to the car and reconnecting
the leads - see above.
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