Tiffin Motorhomes 2011 Phaeton, Owner'S Manual

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E L E C T R I C A L F E A T U R E S
7-5
Since accumulations of dirt and acid residue around the battery terminals may provide an electrical path for
discharging the battery, the area around the terminals
should be cleaned periodically. One can use an old
toothbrush and a sparse amount of a diluted solution
of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water
(distilled or de-ionized, preferred; tap water,
acceptable) to clean and neutralize any acidic build-up
around the battery terminals. If this is done and there
is any foaming on the top of the battery, this indicates
that acidic residues are being neutralized.
Rinse the cleaned areas thoroughly with distilled or
de-ionized water (tap water is okay, too). Avoid
getting the baking-soda solution into the battery fill
plugs to each battery cell; this would drastically reduce
the effectiveness of the battery (by neutralizing the
sulfuric acid in the battery cells) or, worse, “kill” the battery.
Dry the battery cables and terminals to prevent corrosion; to protect those terminals further, use a plastic
ignition spray on the terminals. Do not use grease on the terminals, especially on
the metal-to-metal connections, as grease may act as an insulator and keep the
battery electrical power from entering the cables.
If the Phaeton is to be stored for an extended period of time, the 12 VDC battery
system should be disconnected—this will prevent unnecessary drain and corrosion
of the batteries and their terminals. To disconnect batteries, simply turn the house
battery switch to “off.” You will also find this switch located in the battery
compartment box.
Additionally, the batteries will, over time, lose some of the water used with the
sulfuric acid in the batteries. Following manufacturer’s recommendations as
found in the Owner’s Information Package, periodically check the fluid levels in
all the cells of the batteries (be sure to use safety eyewear during this process) and
fill those that are low with water (distilled or de-ionized water is preferred; tap water
is okay). Don’t overfill the cells; follow the filling directions exactly. This battery
checkup should be done on a regular basis to realize the fullest service possible
from the batteries over the longest time possible.
The batteries are installed on a sliding tray (Figure 7-6) which allows you to extend
out of the compartment to check battery and water levels. Located inside the
compartment is a handle (Figure 7-7) that must be pulled in order to release the
slide tray.
Figure 7-5. 12 VDC Battery System
Figure 7-7. Handle
Figure 7-6. Batteries on Slide
Tray