Monaco 2002 Diplomat, Service Manual

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Electrical Systems - House
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D I P L O M A T 8 • 2 2 5
charge, while the others are indicating a full charge, charge only that battery to
see if the low cell will come up. At the same time, do not over charge the
“healthy” cells.
If the low cell does not come up after charging, this battery can damage the
rest of the battery bank and should be replaced. An accurate digital volt meter + -
.5% will also give an indicator of the battery’s state of charge.
Another test that can be performed is to place a specific load on the battery
for a predetermined length of time equal to that particular battery’s rating. This
machine is usually an adjustable carbon pile that can vary the load being
applied to the battery(s) while monitoring voltage to see if they will perform to
their specific rated capacities.
NOTE: See the chart for temperature compensation. Liquid
levels should be even between the cells of the battery being
tested as it will affect the accuracy of the test.
WARNING: Sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause severe
injury or death. Sulfuric acid can cause permanent damage
to eyes, burn skin and eat holes in clothing. Always wear
splash-proof safety goggles when working around the battery.
If the battery electrolyte is splashed in the eyes, or on skin,
immediately flush the affected area for 15 minutes with large
quantities of clean water. In case of eye contact, seek imme-
diate medical aid. Never add acid to a battery once the bat-
tery has been placed in service. Doing so may result in haz-
ardous splattering of electrolyte.
1. Physical Condition:
Active material flakes off the plates and falls to the bottom of the cell.
This is normal, but sediment accumulation under the plates can short out
a cell. The plate separators fail to insulate positive and negative plates in
a cell and the cell becomes shorted, ruining the battery.
2. Insufficient Electrolyte:
This allows exposed portions of the plates to sulfate rapidly. This reduces
the battery’s ability to accept a charge and the battery capacity is reduced.
Hydrometer (Cylinder Type).
Reasons Why
Batteries Fail
Hydrometer.eps