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ELECTRICAL
Checking The Fluid Level and
Adding Fluid
A serviceable battery needs to
have the fluid level checked, as
they consume water and must be
filled periodically. Please be sure to
check the battery water level on a
regular basis.
WARNING
!
Do not allow the battery fluid to contact your skin,
eyes, fabric, or painted surfaces. The fluid could
cause serious personal injury or property damage.
Wear eye protection when working with any battery.
CAUTION
!
Use only distilled water to fill flooded / liquid lead
acid batteries. Non-serviceable (AGM, Gel Cell)
batteries do NOT require the addition of ANY liquid.
Adding liquid to non-serviceable AGM or Gel Cell
batteries will result in damage to the batteries and
will not be covered under warranty.
1. A serviceable battery needs to have the fluid level
checked. AGM batteries do not require additional
fluid. If the battery has removable vent caps, they can
be twisted or pried off with a flat-head screwdriver.
Once removed, the individual vent wells can be seen.
Look down into each individual cell to make sure that
the water is covering the lead plates and is at the
proper level.
2. Add water to any cells that are low on water. Ideally,
the water level should be 1/8” below the bottom of
the tubes (there are six tubes in a 12 Volt battery) that
go down into the battery. To avoid damage to the
battery, make sure the fluid level never drops below
the tops of the lead plates in each of the cells. Always
use distilled water to fill the battery to prevent battery
contamination.
3. Do not overfill battery cells. Adding too much water
may result in acid overflow and damage around
the battery. In addition, warmer weather may cause
natural fluid expansion, forcing excess electrolytes
from the battery.
This article provides information about how and when to
replace coach batteries.
Replacement batteries should be the same brand and
capacity as the originals. Any time one battery is replaced,
it is important to test the rest of the batteries in the
system to make sure they are still functioning properly
and efficiently. If one defective battery is replaced, while
leaving another weak or defective battery, lowered
performance, or ultimately damaging the new or good
batteries, may result.
A battery wiring label is located inside of the battery
compartment and shows how the batteries are wired
together. Replacement batteries must be wired according
to the diagram shown.
Battery Replacement
Charging batteries release gasses as the fluids
inside boil, so it is critical to check the battery fluid
levels regularly, particularly after extended periods
of heavy use. Be sure to top off any battery that is
showing signs of depleted fluid levels.
IMPORTANT
!
Cleaning The Batteries
Check the vent plugs and replace them if they are
cracked or broken. Keep the battery clean. Accumulations
of acid film and dirt may permit current flow between the
terminals, which could drain the battery.
To clean, wash the batteries with a diluted solution of
baking soda and water to neutralize any acid present.
This should be a mixture of a couple of tablespoons of
baking soda per pint of water. Rinse thoroughly with
clean water. Foaming around the terminals or on top of
the battery is a sign that acid is being neutralized. Avoid
getting the baking soda solution in the battery. Secure all
vent caps.
Both house and chassis battery cable connections need
to be cleaned and tightened, as battery problems are
often caused by dirty and loose connections. Dry the
battery cables and terminals to prevent corrosion. Do not
use grease on the bare metal inside the cable terminals.
Grease can act as an insulator, and electricity will not
flow through it. A plastic ignition spray will protect the
terminals after they have been cleaned.
Summary of Contents for LONDONAIRE 2022
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