SU5-S/L
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EXCESSIVELY DISCHARGED BATTERIES
NOTICE: Your Columbia Dealer will have the equipment and experience to perform the
following battery inspections
The charger will not charge dead batteries. First establish that none of the batteries have an
internal fault or bad cell. If a battery has remained too long in a discharged state (i.e. 2-4 volts
each), it may be internally damaged and not capable of accepting a charge and must be
replaced.
If the electrolyte Specific Gravity is low (less than 1.1098 SG) or individual battery voltage is
less than 5.25 volts for three cells (10.5 volts for six cells), recharge each battery with an
ordinary automotive style trickle charger at a rate of 3 to 6 amps.
It is not necessary to disconnect the battery cables, as the alligator style clips can be connected
to each positive and negative battery post. Follow specific charger instructions.
To prevent a spark from igniting the gas emitted from the batteries, always disconnect
the charger AC power cord first when moving the positive/negative alligator clips.
Be sure to charge all of the batteries in the set. Each battery may require two to three hours of
charging to bring it back to serviceable condition. After all batteries have been individually
charged, remove the automotive charger and restart charging with the on-board charger. It may
require several 8-12 hour cycles to bring severely discharged batteries back to 100% charged
condition. If again the charger has the RED FAULT LED flashing there is a problem with one or
more of the batteries.
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.
