4.8 TIPS FOR PROLONGING BATTERY LIFE
NOTICE: A common misconception is Deep Cycle batteries develop a memory, lose capacity, or must be
discharged until the BDI indicates full discharger and then recharged. Deep Cycle Wet Lead Acid Batteries are not
like cell phone NiCad Batteries. Deep Cycle batteries benefit from frequent charging and being maintained at as
close as possible to a 100% state of charge. Plugging in the on-board charger overnight or when the vehicle is not
in use for 3-5 or more days is encouraged.
Make it a regular habit to plug in the charger when the vehicle is not in use. Batteries may be
recharged if vehicle has been driven 15 minutes or more since the previous charge.
Make sure your electrical outlet is operational.
Never go below 20% state of charge (or 80% discharged) without recharging immediately. Allow 14 –
16 hours of charging.
Batteries will provide a longer life if not deeply discharged. Batteries that are regularly deeply
discharged will require more work by the charger and will have a shorter life.
Make it a regular habit to check (and water) your batteries after charging. Only add water after
charging. This will reduce the chance for overflow due to expanding water.
Weekly equalize the battery pack.
If the vehicle is not operated daily the power key switch should be turned off. This will power down
the traction control system and reduce power loss on the batteries.
Batteries in storage may self-discharge and should be recharged when the specific gravity falls below
1.238.
4.9 SINGLE POINT BATTERY WATERING SYSTEM
When equipped, this is a single point watering system for maintaining a sufficient electrolyte level in the
batteries
.
NOTICE: Do not operate this system on brand new batteries. See Section 3.1 for the initial check on the
electrolyte level of new batteries. Complete 4 to 5 charge cycles before using the system.
System is to be used only after fully charging the batteries and batteries are warm.
The fill tube assembly which is used for adding water to the battery pack consists of a fill tube, one end
having a filter screen, the other having a female coupler and a rubber squeeze bulb.
Check the battery pack water level weekly by:
Inserting the fill tube filter end in an approved water supply.
Attaching the female coupler to the battery pack male coupler.
Squeeze the rubber ball until firm which indicates that filling is complete. Immediately disconnect
the couplers by depressing the push button on the female coupler.
If the water supply is left connected after the filling process is finished it could lead to overfilling of
batteries.
