MAINTENANCE
ODYSSEY™ batteries are very different from standard liquid-acid batteries that are openly vented. The
ODYSSEY battery is and operates as a sealed battery, recycling all gases internally. There is no corrosion
of the positive terminal or corrosion to the surrounding area. ODYSSEY batteries are shipped fully charged
from the factory, but prior to installation, check the battery’s voltage to see if it is 12.65 volts or greater. If
not, recharge it using the procedure below.
NOTE: Do not charge in an air tight compartment
Never attempt to remove the top decal cover, as it will cause the battery to fail.
CHARGING
The state of charge in an ODYSSEY battery can be determined from the following chart:
To get long life from the ODYSSEY battery, it is important that the battery is kept near full charge,
approximately 12.8 volts. If there are electrical loads during storage, then the negative battery cable
should be disconnected or an independent float charger used. Low power 2.0 amp chargers for storage
charge will keep a fully charged battery fully charged but cannot recharge if the ODYSSEY battery
becomes discharged.
Racing Vehicles using total loss (no alternator)
- standard automotive type chargers are not designed
to return 105-108% of the energy removed. They normally boost charge to 80-95% and expect the
alternator to complete the charge. Chargers listed on our website at www.odysseybattery.com are
specifically designed for ODYSSEY batteries that are routinely deeply discharged. They provide the
105-108% recharge and then switch to storage charge.
ODYSSEY Ultimizer™ chargers as listed on www.odysseybattery.com are specifically designed for
ODYSSEY batteries and are required for routine deep discharge applications. They provide 105-108%
recharge and then switch to a storage charge.
To fully charge a 31-PC2150, a minimum of 40 amps are required with charger voltage within the range
of 14.1V to 14.7V. It is imperative not to exceed 15.0V as this will cause the pressure valves to open and
out-gas hydrogen, oxygen and water from inside the battery. This will shorten the life of the battery and
cause premature failure. Some portable chargers exceed 15.0V, especially two-wheel garage chargers, so
charging voltages should be verified by measuring the charging voltage during the time when the charging
amperage is reducing from full output. The deep cycle charging voltage must be within 14.1V minimum to
14.7V maximum.
If a standard automotive charger is used to boost charge a discharged battery because of an accessory
left on, it is important to make sure the charging voltage does not exceed 15 volts during charge. A hand
held voltmeter can be used to monitor this periodically. The following chart provides recharge times
under this type of boost charging to an 80-95% recharge and then allows the vehicle charging system to
complete the charge.
Voltmeter Reading
State of Charge
12.84 Volts or higher
100%
12.50 Volts
75%
12.18 Volts
50%
11.88 Volts
25%
6
Publication No. 2602-0232, Rev. 6 - February 2008
www.odysseybattery.com
