B
BATTERIES AND BATTERY CHARGER
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
17
Repair and Service Manual
10002660
Fig. 5 Water Purity Table
Even if the water is colorless, odorless, tasteless and suit-
able for drinking, it should be analyzed to see that it does
not exceed the impurity levels specified in the water purity
table (Fig. 5).
Automatic watering devices such as the one included in
the Battery Maintenance Kit (P/N 25587G01) can be used
with an approved water source (Ref. Fig. 6). These water-
ing devices are fast and accurate to use, and maintain the
correct electrolyte level within the battery cells.
Fig. 6 Automatic Watering Gun
NOTICE: The watering device should only be used if
the electrolyte level is less than 1/2” (13 mm) above
top of plates.
Cleaning Batteries
When cleaning the exterior of the batteries and terminals,
do not use a water hose without first spraying with a solu-
tion of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water to
neutralize any acid deposits.
Use of a water hose without first neutralizing any acid, will
transfer acid from the top of the batteries to another area
of the vehicle or storage facility, where it will attack the
structure or floor. After spraying down the batteries, a
conductive residue will remain on the batteries which will
contribute to the discharge of the batteries.
To prevent battery damage, be sure
that all battery caps are tightly
installed.
The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top and
sides of the batteries with a solution of sodium bicarbon-
ate (baking soda) and water. This solution is best applied
with a garden type sprayer with a non metallic spray
wand. The solution should consist of 1/4 cup (60 ml) of
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mixed with 1-1/2 gal-
lons (6 liters) of clear water (Ref. Fig. 7). In addition to the
batteries, spray all metal components adjacent to the bat-
teries with the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) solution.
Fig. 7 Preparing Acid Neutralizing Solution
Leave solution on batteries for minimum of three minutes.
Use a soft bristle brush or cloth to clean the tops of the
batteries to remove any residue that could cause the self
discharge of the battery. Rinse the entire area with low
pressure clear water. All items required for complete bat-
tery cleaning and watering are included in the Battery
Maintenance Kit (P/N 25587G01).
Cleaning should be done once a month or more often
under extreme conditions.
Prolonged Storage
Prior to prolonged storage, the battery charger, controller,
and all other electronic devices must be disconnected.
Otherwise, they will contribute to the premature discharge
of batteries.
The batteries need to be maintained to prevent discharge
during periods of storage.
In high temperatures the chemical reaction is faster, while
low temperatures cause the chemical reaction to slow
down. A vehicle that is stored at 90° F (32° C) will lose
0.002 of specific gravity each day. If a fully charged bat-
tery has a specific gravity of 1.275 and the battery is
allowed to sit unused, it will become partially discharged.
When it reaches 1.240 (usually less than 20 days), it
should be recharged. If a battery is left in a discharged
state, sulfating takes place on and within the plates. Sul-
fating will cause permanent damage to the battery. To
prevent damage, the battery should be recharged. A
hydrometer (P/N 50900G1) can be used to determine the
specific gravity, and therefore the state of charge of a bat-
tery.
In cold conditions, the battery must be fully charged to
prevent the possibility of freezing (Fig. 8). A fully charged
battery will not freeze in temperatures above - 75° F (-60°
C). Although the chemical reaction is slowed in cold tem-
peratures, the battery must be stored fully charged and
disconnected from any circuit that could discharge the
battery.
Color
Suspended
Total Solids
Calcium & Magnesium Oxides
Iron
Ammonia
Organic & Volatile Matter
Nitrites
Nitrates
Chloride
Clear
Trace
100
40
5
8
50
10
5
5
Impurity
Parts Per
Million
Watering gun similar to the type included in the
battery maintenance kit
Pure Water
Valve consistently
fills to a
predetermined
level
Electrolyte
Level
Single Battery Cell
1-1/2 gallons
(6 liter)
Clear Water
Plastic
Spray
Bottle
1/4 cup
(60 ml)
Sodium
Bicarbonate
(Baking Soda)
