© December 2007
9-3
Section 9 - Batteries and Battery Charger
2007 Eagle Electric Golf Car Service Manual
• Battery must be clean and dry. Dirt and electrolyte on top of
battery causes battery to self discharge. Clean battery top
with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water solution (5
teaspoons baking soda per quart water). Do not allow solution
to enter cap vent holes.
•
Inspect battery posts, clamps and cables for breakage, loose
connections and corrosion. Clean battery posts and clamps.
• Be sure battery hold downs are properly tightened. A loose
hold down may allow the battery to become damaged from
vibration or jarring. A hold down that is too tight may buckle or
crack the battery case.
• Check to see that battery cap vent holes are clear. Plugged
vent holes will not permit gas to escape from the cell and
could result in battery damage.
• Check electrolyte level. Suffi cient distilled water would be
added to cover plates before charging, then after charging,
remaining distilled water can be added to bring electrolyte to
correct level.
•
Inspect battery case for cracks or leaks.
BATTERY CLEANING
Battery terminal connections should be individually cleaned and
maintained annually. More frequent cleaning may be required un-
der heavy use, or as batteries age.
NOTICE
Make note of any accessory wire connections before discon-
necting batteries. Refer to wiring diagrams for proper con-
nection.
1. Remove battery cables and wire connections from all battery
terminals.
2. Brush battery cable and wire connections clean using soft
brass wire brush.
3. Replace battery cable terminals that are damaged or corrod-
ed.
4. Hose off the tops of the batteries and all around the batteries
to fl ush out the battery box/tray. The batteries supplied with
the vehicle are fl ooded cell, with electrolyte (acid) inside. Re-
plenish with distilled water only to top of plates.
5. Keep the batteries clean, fully charged, properly secured and
terminal connections tight. Do not over tighten connections.
Acid soaked dirt on the battery tops causes current leakage,
reduced battery effi ciency and promotes rapid self-discharge
during storage.
6. Hose wash battery tops periodically with clean, low-pressure
water to keep them free of acid spillage, dirt and other de-
bris. If vented batteries are used, make sure vent caps are
secure before washing. Do not hose wash electronic control-
lers, switches, solenoids, and other electrical control devices.
Direct water away from these components, covering them if
necessary.
7. Wash battery tops with a baking soda mixture (1/2 cup per
quart) of water) and a stiff non-metallic bristle brush if a low-
WARNING
The gases produced by a storage battery on charge are high-
ly explosive.
To prevent possible personal injury, charge batteries in a
well-ventilated area, keep fi re and fl ame away from battery
charging area.
WARNING
Do not attempt to charge a battery if it is frozen or if the case
is bulged excessively. Frozen batteries can explode. Dispose
of battery.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Battery Types
DEEP CYCLE, LEAD ACID, FLOODED CELL
Columbia recommends: U. S. Battery, model 2200, XB or XC, 225
amp hour, or U. S. Battery, model 145, XC, 244 amp hour.
48 VOLT SYSTEMS
220 amp hour, 105 minute, 6-volt, 8 each
ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY
The storage battery receives, stores, and delivers electrical power.
This receiving, storing, and delivering of electrical power is called
a cycle.
Receive- Charging vehicle batteries.
Store- Vehicle standing idle.
Deliver-Driving vehicle.
Batteries furnished for electric vehicle operation are specially con-
structed for this type of service.
Automotive batteries are designed to furnish high current draws
for short duration, and are kept in a near fully charged state by the
charging system.
Electric vehicle batteries must be able to furnish currents up to 50
amperes for long durations, and also be able to supply that cur-
rent while in a partially discharged condition. This type of service
requires a deep cycle battery - a battery that is durable enough to
withstand repeated complete cycling.
For this reason, electric vehicle batteries are constructed with
heavier plates and cells with a greater capacity for electrolyte.
CAUTION
Only deep cycle batteries designed for electric vehicle ser-
vice should be used.
BATTERY INSPECTION
Batteries should be carefully inspected every 8 hours of operating
time, or weekly, whichever comes fi rst.
This procedure should also be followed before any tests are per-
formed on the batteries.
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