Taylor-Dunn ET-015-00, Operation, T Roubleshooting And Replacement Parts Manual, Page: 83 / 166

Maintenance, Service, and Repair
Batteries
Page 3
Explosive mixtures of Hydrogen gas are
present within battery cells at all times. Do
not work with or charge battery in an area
where open flames (including gas furnace
or water heater pilots), sparks, cigarettes,
or any other sources of combustion are
present. Always provide ample ventilation
in rooms where batteries are being
charged. Failure to do so may result in
severe bodily injury and/or property
damage.
Battery electrolyte will stain and corrode
most surfaces. Immediately and
thoroughly clean any surface outside of the
battery that the battery electrolyte comes
in contact with. Failure to clean may result
in property damage.
1. Make sure the key-switch is in the “OFF”
position, then remove the key.
2. Place the forward-reverse switch in the
center “OFF” position.
3. Set the park brake.
4. Place blocks under the front wheels to
prevent vehicle movement.
5. Disconnect the main positive and
negative cables at the batteries.
A battery is a live electrical source. It
cannot be disconnected or neutralized. Do
not drop any tool or conductive object onto
the battery. A conductive object that comes
in contact with the battery terminals will
initiate a short circuit of the battery. This
could cause the battery to explode
resulting in severe bodily injury and/or
property damage.
Battery electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous. It contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin eyes or clothing. Wear
rubber gloves and safety glasses while
servicing batteries. DO NOT INGEST! This
may result in severe bodily injury.
TESTING
NOTE: A combination of the Load Test and Specific
Gravity Test should be used to accurately
determine the condition of the batteries.
Load Test (6-volt batteries only)
NOTE: The batteries must be fully charged before
performing this test.
1. Clean the batteries. Refer to
Cleaning the
Batteries
section for information on cleaning the
batteries.
2. Load test each battery using a battery load test
meter (available at most auto parts distributors).
Follow the instructions provided with the test meter.
• If any battery fails the load test, then it
should be replaced.
NOTE: If the batteries are over one year old, it is
recommended to replace them as a set.
• If all batteries fail the test you should
check the charging system before
replacing the batteries. Refer to
Charger Troubleshooting section for
information on checking the charging
system.
Specific Gravity Test
NOTE: The batteries must be fully charged before
performing this test.
The specific gravity of a cell is an indication of the actual
state of charge of the cell. A fully charged cell should
have a reading of 1275 to 1300 (see the illustration to
the right). A discharged battery will read 1100. Ideally,
all cells in a battery pack will have the same reading.
Any cells in a battery pack that vary by more than 30-
points may be an indication of a bad cell.