SECTION 4 ELECTRIC SYSTEM
P5 OWNERS MANUAL 2013
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 warning flashes 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.
Recharge batteries as soon as they become 20% or more discharged (less than 1.238 sp. gr.).
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.
For non-sealed batteries, make it a regular habit to check (and water) your batteries after charging. Always 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 keyswitch should be turned off. This will power down the traction
control system and reduces power loss on the batteries.
Batteries in storage may self discharge and should be recharged when the specific gravity falls below 1.238 sp.
gr. or individual battery voltage is les than 5.25 volts for three cells (10.5 volts for six cells).
BATTERY REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Remove battery negative (-) cables.
Remove battery positive (+) cables.
Remove battery hold down.
Remove batteries from vehicle.
To install batteries, reverse the removal procedure with the negative (-) cables being attached last. Torque
connections to 100 in. lbs.
SINGLE POINT BATTERY WATERING SYSTEM
NOTICE
: The following information does NOT apply to sealed batteries
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 OPERATIONS AND
CONTROLS,
IMPORTANT FIRST STEP 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 an overfill.
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