SU5-S/L
Page 34
BATTERY PREPARATION FOR VEHICLE STORAGE
Before storage make sure batteries are fully charged, for non-sealed batteries make sure the
electrolyte is full in all cells. Clean the batteries and connections as described earlier.
The charger has the capability to test and recharge batteries during storage. Leave the batteries
connected and the charger plugged into a reliable AC source.
Storage Mode Operation
1. Storage Mode is designed to keep your battery maintained during storage periods that last a
few weeks to several months at a time.
2. Depending on the battery type, a storage charge can be a continuous float or a periodic
charge mode.
3. Do NOT disconnect the charger from the battery or from the AC power while your machine is
not being used Disconnecting and reconnecting the charger from the batteries or AC power
may start a charge cycle, but disconnection disrupts the storage mode so optimum battery
maintenance is not achieved.
4. After several months of storage your batteries should be serviced and the charger reset by
disconnecting the the AC power (disconnect AC for a minimum of 10 minutes) before continuing
another storage season.
If the charger is not used the batteries will "self-
discharge” during storage and recharging will be
necessary. Below is the recommended frequency for recharging.
STORAGE TEMPERATURE
CHARGE AT
Below 4
0
C (40
0
F)
Every 6 months
4
0
C - 16
0
C (40
0
– 60
0
F)
Every 2 months
Above 16
0
C (60
0
F)
Once a month
The voltage or specific gravity (FLA Batteries Only) of the electrolyte should be checked every 6
to 8 weeks using a voltmeter or hydrometer.
After charging, disconnect the batteries.
NOTICE: Batteries in a low state of charge will freeze at higher temperatures than fully
charged batteries. Do not attempt to charge a battery that is frozen or if battery case is
excessively bulged. Properly dispose of battery, because frozen batteries can explode.
The table below indicates freezing points of batteries at different specific gravities.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
FREEZE POINT
0
F/
0
C
1.260
-70/-57
1.230
-39/-38
1.200
-16/-26
1.117
-2/-19
1.110
+17/-8