SECTION 4 ELECTRIC SYSTEM
SU5 OWNERS MANUAL 2014
Limit new batteries use between charges for the first 25
– 50 cycles. New batteries have less
capacity than seasoned batteries. New batteries should not be discharged more the 20
– 30%
before recharging. This will prevent premature battery failure.
Battery efficiency is affected by temperature. If the temperature of the outside air and/or
batteries is below 60º F, battery capacity is reduced. Batteries will require more frequent and
longer charge periods in early spring, fall and winter.
As batteries age, they finish charge at progressively higher charge rates and tend to use more
distilled water. At this point in battery age, charger will automatically begin reducing charge time.
Batteries found defective must be replaced. All batteries in a vehicle should be matched
according to age, capacity and brand.
BATTERY CHARGING
All current production Columbia 24/36/48 volt electric vehicles are built with a new
solid state on-board, fully automatic high-frequency, programmable battery
charger as standard equipment. This section explains in more detail the charger
operation.
The charge status can be found on a remote multicolored LED (Figure 4-2). This
LED and descriptive label will be located near the charger receptacle.
CHARGER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Connect the supplied power cord to the vehicle charger receptacle and to a properly grounded
wall outlet. Charger start and charge time is automatic. The remote LED will be flashing short
green. If this LED is not lit check the AC connection and the AC source fuse or breaker. If this
fails to correct the problem, contact your Columbia Dealer for assistance.
Charger will automatically turn on and conduct a short self-test and battery pack test. The LED
will flash in sequence and then a trickle current will be applied to batteries until a minimum
voltage is reached.
If the batteries meet the minimum voltage requirements of the charger, signifying they are
serviceable (chargeable), the charger enters the bulk charging (higher amperage-constant
current) stage. The remote LED will be flashing short green.
NOTICE:
If the batteries are excessively discharged, the charger will not be able to
charge the complete set of batteries. The remote LED will be flashing red.(see Red
Light Charger Error Codes). It will then be necessary to follow the Special Charging for
Excessively Discharged Batteries.
When the charger has completed approximately 80% state of charge the remote LED will flash
long green as the last 20% of charge is returned to the batteries in the second phase (constant
voltage phase).
NOTICE:
You can terminate charging at this point if necessary. The vehicle can be
used, but completing the charge cycle is highly recommended.
A Green LED continuously lit indicates the batteries are completely charged. The charger may
now be unplugged from the AC source. If the batteries will not be used for a length of time,
check monthly for the charge level. It is also acceptable to leave the charger plugged in. The
charger has the capability to test and recharge if necessary.
4-4
Figure 4-2
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