85
MAINTENANCE
Battery
Battery Charging (Conventional Battery)
1. Remove the battery from the vehicle to prevent damage from leaking or spilled
electrolyte during charging. See page 83.
2. Charge the battery with a charging output no larger than 1/10 of the battery’s amp/hr
rating. Charge as needed to raise the specific gravity to 1.270 or greater.
3. Reinstall the battery. See page 84. Make sure the positive terminal is toward the driver’s
side of the vehicle.
Battery Charging (Sealed Battery)
The following battery charging instructions apply only to the installation of a sealed battery.
Read all instructions before proceeding with the installation of this battery.
The sealed battery is already filled with electrolyte and has been sealed and
fully charged
at
the factory.
Never
pry the sealing strip off or add any other fluid to this battery.
The single most important thing about maintaining a sealed battery is to keep it fully
charged. Since the battery is sealed and the sealing strip cannot be removed, you must use a
voltmeter or multimeter to measure DC voltage.
WARNING!
An overheated battery may explode, causing severe injury or death. Always watch
charging times carefully. Stop charging if the battery becomes very warm to the touch. Allow it to cool
before resuming charging.
For a refresh charge, follow all instructions carefully.
1. Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter or multimeter. A fully charged battery will
register 12.8 V or higher. If the voltage is less than 12.8 volts, recharge the battery at 1.2
amps or less until battery voltage is 12.8 or greater.
2. When using an automatic charger, refer to the charger manufacturer's instructions for
recharging. When using a constant current charger, use the guidelines below for
recharging.
Always verify battery condition before and 1-2 hours after the end of charging.
State of
Charge
Voltage
Action
Charge Time
(Using constant current
charger @ standard amps
specified on top of battery)
100%
12.8-13.0 volts
None, check at 3 mos. from date of
manufacture
None required
75%-100%
12.5-12.8 volts
May need slight charge, if no charge
given, check in 3 months
3-6 hours
50%-75%
12.0-12.5 volts
Needs charge
5-11 hours
25%-50%
11.5-12.0 volts
Needs charge
At least 13 hours,
verify state of charge
0%-25%
11.5 volts or less
Needs charge with desulfating charger
At least 20 hours
