Page H-3
Repair and Service Manual
B
BATTERIES AND CHARGING
Read all of Section B and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
.
Fig. 3 Automatic Watering Gun
The watering device should only be used if the electrolyte level
is less than 1/2" (13 mm) above top of plates.
Cleaning Batteries
When cleaning the outside of the batteries and termi-
nals, do not use a water hose without first spraying with
a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
water to neutralize any acid deposits.
Use of a water hose without first neutralizing any acid,
will move acid from the top of the batteries to another
area of the vehicle or storage facility where it will attack
the metal structure or the concrete/asphalt floor. After
hosing down the batteries, a residue will be left on the
batteries which is conductive and will contribute to the
discharge of the batteries.
To prevent battery damage, be sure that all battery caps
are tightly installed.
The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top and
sides of the batteries with a solution of sodium bicarbon-
ate (baking soda) and water. This solution is best
applied with a garden type sprayer equipped with a non
metallic spray wand. The solution should consist of 1/4
cup (60 ml) of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mixed
with 1 1/2 gallons (6 liters) of clear water (Ref. Fig. 4 on
Page H-3). In addition to the batteries, special attention
should be paid to metallic components adjacent to the
batteries which should also be sprayed with the sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) solution.
Fig. 4 Preparing Acid Neutralizing Solution
Allow the solution to sit for at least three minutes; use a
soft bristle brush or cloth to wipe the tops of the batteries
in order to remove any residue that could cause the self
discharge of the battery. Rinse the entire area with low
pressure clear water. All of the items required for com-
plete battery cleaning and watering are contained in the
Battery Maintenance Kit (P/N 25587-G01).
Cleaning should take place once a month or more often
under extreme conditions.
Battery Replacement
Before any electrical service is performed on TCT model
vehicles, the Run-Tow/Maintenance switch must be
placed in the ‘Tow/Maintenance’ position.
If a power wire (battery, motor or controller) is discon-
nected for any reason on the TCT model vehicle, the
Run-Tow/Maintenance switch must be left in the ‘Tow/
Maintenance’ position for at least 30 seconds after the
circuit is restored.
Remove battery hold downs and cables. Lift out batter-
ies with a commercially available lifting device.
If the batteries have been cleaned and any acid in the
battery rack area neutralized as recommended, no cor-
rosion to the battery racks or surrounding area should
be present. Any corrosion found should be immediately
removed with a putty knife and a wire brush. The area
should be washed with a solution of sodium bicarbonate
Watering gun similar to the type included in the
Battery Maintenance Kit
Pure Water
Valve consistently
fills to a
predetermined
level
Electrolyte
Level
Single Battery Cell
NOTICE
1 1/2 gallons
(6 liters)
Clear Water
1/4 Cup (60 ml)
Sodium Bicarbonate
(Baking Soda)
Non Metalic
Wand
2 gallon (7.5 liter)
Garden Sprayer
1 1/2 GAL (6 Liters) Water
Non-Metalic Wand
1/4 Cup (60 ML)
Baking Soda
2 GAL (8 Liters)
Gargen Sprayer
(1 1/2 GAL (6 Liters)
Baking Soda Solution
