SECTION 6—TROUBLESHOOTING
53
Checking Battery Charge Level
The following “Do’s” and “Don’ts” are provided for your convenience and safety.
Field Load Test
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 6.1 on page 54.
Old batteries lose their ability to store and release power, due to increased internal
resistance. This means that as you try to take power from the battery, some of that power
is used up in the process of passing through the battery, resulting in less voltage at the
posts. The more power drawn, the lower the voltage available. When this lost voltage
drops the output more than 1.0 volts under load (2.0 for a pair), replace the batteries.
Testing under load is the only way to spot this problem. While special battery load testing
equipment is available, it is costly and difficult to transport.
Use a digital voltmeter to check battery charge level at the charger connector. It is located
on the base of the wheelchair frame.
NOTE: Read the instructions carefully before using the digital voltmeter.
NOTE: Invacare recommends that ONLY
qualified service personnel perform this test.
1. Ensure that power is Off.
2. Make sure battery is fully charged. An extremely discharged battery will exhibit the
same symptoms as a bad one.
3. Remove the footrests from the wheelchair and place the casters of the wheelchair
against a wall, workbench or other stationary object.
DO
DON’T
Read and understand this manual and any service
information that accompanies a battery and charger
before operating the wheelchair.
Don’t perform any installation or maintenance without
first reading this manual.
Move the wheelchair to a work area before opening
battery box or installing service batteries.
Don’t perform installation or maintenance of batteries
in an area that could be damaged by battery spills.
Recharge as frequently as possible to maintain a high
charge level and extend battery life.
Don’t make it a habit to discharge batteries to the low-
est level.
Follow recommendations in this manual when select-
ing a battery or charger.
Don’t use randomly chosen batteries or chargers.
Fully charge new batteries before using.
Don’t put new batteries into servcie before charging.
Use a carrying strap to remove, move or install a bat-
tery.
Don’t tip or tilt batteries.
Push battery clamps on the terminals. Spread clamps
wider if necessary.
Don’t tap on clamps and terminals with tools.
Use ONLY a GEL charger for a GEL battery or
“Sealed” battery.
Don’t mismatch your battery and chargers.