Monaco HOLIDAY RAMBLER 2013, Owner'S Manual

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11
ELECTRICAL
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STEMS
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2013 HOLIDAY RAMBLER
Battery Maintenance
Check the battery electrolyte level at least
once a month. Check the level sooner if the
battery is frequently used. The level should be
above the top of the plates, but not overfull.
Most batteries have a plastic cup or well.
The proper electrolyte is about 3/8” below
the well to allow room for expansion while
the battery is being charged. Over-filling the
battery will cause the electrolyte solution to
seep past the battery cap. Charging a battery
with a low electrolyte level where the internal
plates are not covered with electrolyte will
cause rapid water loss. This process may take
only a matter of hours. If this has happened,
the battery is more than likely damaged.
Adding distilled water at this point will not
undo the damage.
Keep the top of the battery clean. The
accumulation of electrolyte and dirt may
permit small amounts of current to flow
between the terminals which can drain the
battery.
Check the battery connections for tightness
and corrosion. If any corrosion is found,
disconnect the cables (make a diagram of the
battery cable locations) and carefully clean
connections with a mild solution of baking
soda and water.
Aerosol products are also available that will
help neutralize corrosion. Do not allow the
any solution to enter the battery as this will
damage the electrolyte balance. Flush with tap
water to rinse the top of the battery area when
done. Hook the cables back to the battery.
Coat the terminals with petroleum jelly or an
anti-corrosive grease. Replace plugs that are
cracked or missing.
WARNING:
Liquid lead acid batteries produce
hydrogen gas while charging.
Hydrogen gas is highly flammable.
Do not smoke around batteries.
Extinguish all flames in the area.
Hydrogen gas can explode resulting in
fire, personal injury, property damage
or death.
CAUTION:
Many types of petroleum based
products or battery by-products
can damage the paint finish. If the
chemicals come in contact with
painted surfaces, immediately wash
with a mild automotive detergent and
clear water.
CAUTION:
Always wear safety glasses when
servicing the battery.
Battery Tools:
A few simple hand tools are required to work
on the batteries and should be kept aside for
working on batteries only.
Wear old clothes. Clothing is easily
damaged when in contact with
batteries.
Wear thick rubber gloves that are
solvent and thinner proof.
Keep a ½" box-end wrench, wire brush
and pair of adjustable pliers separate
from other tools.
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 immediate medical aid. Never
add acid to a battery once the battery
has been placed in service. Doing so
may result in hazardous splattering of
electrolyte.
Safety Precautions:
Working on batteries requires a few safety
procedures:
Never short battery terminals or
cables with anything metallic to “test”
batteries for power.
Wear safety glasses. Even a small
amount of corrosion or acid can be
very painful and harmful to the eyes.
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Battery Tools
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