44
MAINTENANCE
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
Owner’s Guide
Prolonged Storage
Disconnect the battery charger, controller and other electronic devices for extended storage. All connected
electronic components cause the discharge of batteries.
During storage, the batteries need attention to keep them
maintained and prevent discharge. In high temperatures the
chemical reaction is faster, while low temperatures cause the
chemical reaction to slow. A vehicle that is stored at 90° F
(32° C) will lose.002 of specific gravity each day. If a com-
pletely charged battery has a specific gravity of 1.275, and the
battery is not used, it will become partially discharged. When
it reaches 1.240, which it will do in less than 20 days, it must
be charged again. If a battery stays in a discharged state, sul-
fating occurs on and within the plates. This condition is not
reversible and will cause permanent damage to the battery. To
prevent damage, the battery must be charged again. Use a
hydrometer to find the specific gravity and the state of charge
of a battery.
In winter conditions, the battery must be completely charged
to prevent the risk of freezing. A completely charged battery
will not freeze in temperatures above -75° F (-60° C).
Although the chemical reaction is decreased in cold tempera-
tures, the battery must be stored completely charged, and dis-
connected from circuits that can discharge the battery. The
controller must be disconnected from the batteries.
For portable chargers, disconnect the charger plug from the
vehicle receptacle.
For on-board chargers, disconnect the charging harness from
the batteries.
The batteries must be cleaned and all deposits neutralized and removed from the battery case to prevent self discharge.
The batteries must be tested or charged again at 30 day minimum intervals.
Battery Charging
The battery charger is designed to completely charge the battery set. If the batteries are severely deep cycled, some
automatic battery chargers contain an electronic module that will not activate and the battery charger will not operate.
Automatic chargers determine the correct length of charge to the battery set and turns off when the batteries are
charged. Always refer to the instructions of the charger used.
Do not overfill batteries. The charge cycle will expel electrolyte and cause component damage.
Before charging, the following must be observed:
•
The electrolyte level in all cells must be at the recommended level and above the plates.
•
The charging must occur in an area with good ventilation to remove hydrogen gas that is made during the
charge cycle. A minimum
of five air replacements for each hour is recommended.
•
The charger connector components must be in good condition and free from dirt and particles.
•
The charger connector must be completely installed in the vehicle receptacle.
1.100
1.120
1.160
1.200
1.240
1.280
1.140
1.180
1.220
1.260
1.300
-9
-15
-21
-26
-32
-37
-43
-48
-54
-60
-65
-71
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L
E
C
T
R
O
L
Y
T
E
T
E
M
P
E
R
A
T
U
R
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SPECIFIC GRAVITY ELECTROLYTE FREEZING POINT
O
C
+15
+5
-5
-15
-25
-35
-45
-55
-65
-75
-85
-95
O
F
