Monaco SIGNATURE 2001 series, Owner'S Manual

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WARNING: Liquid lead acid batteries produce hydrogen gas while
being charged. This is highly explosive. Do not smoke around batter-
ies. Extinguish all flames in the area. The hydrogen gas may explode
resulting in fire, personal injury, property damage or death.
The engine (chassis) and domestic (house) batteries are located in a curbside
compartment. The slide-out battery trays are secured in place by a locking
mechanism at the front of the trays. To slide the tray out, lift up on the handle
and pull until the tray stops. To secure the battery tray, push it back in until the
tray latches.
The battery tray slides will occasionally need to be lubricated. When per-
forming maintenance to the batteries clean the old lubricant and dirt from the
battery tray slide with solvent, brake cleaner or equivalent. Do not allow any of
the cleaning solution or battery acid by-products to spatter onto the painted sur-
faces. Damage to the paint surface will result. Lubricate all moving parts of the
battery tray slide with white lithium grease or Kwikee brand spray lubricant.
NOTE: Driving without the tray secured can result in damages.
CAUTION: Many types of petroleum based products or battery by-
products can damage the paint finish. Do not allow these types of
chemicals to get on the paint finish. If the chemicals do get on the
painted surfaces immediately rinse the surface using plenty of water
with a mild automotive detergent.
The only way to test a battery’s electrolyte solution is with a hydrometer.
Many styles are available, from types with cylinder graduation (shown here) to
types with floating balls. Hydrometers can be purchased from most auto parts
stores. The hydrometer tests the battery’s electrolyte solution which is measured
in specific gravity. Distilled water has a specific assigned gravity of 1,000. The
hydrometer is calibrated to this mark. Pure sulfuric acid has a specific gravity
reading of 1,840. The acid is 1.84 times heavier than water. The electrolyte
solution is about 64% water to 36% acid (fully charged battery). Hydrometers
with cylinder graduation are graphed and the exact state of specific gravity can
be determined.
Temperature and recent battery activity (charging or discharging) affect the
hydrometer readings. It is best to check the battery when it has been “at rest”
for at least three hours, although readings taken at other times will give a “ball
park” figure. When using the hydrometer, draw the electrolyte solution up into
the tube. Allow the hydrometer to attain the same temperature as the electrolyte
solution. Note the reading for that cell. Complete the same test for the rest of
Electrical Systems - House
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S I G N A T U R E
8 • 2 1 3
Battery Trays
Testing the Battery