Page H-5
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.
Prolonged Storage
Battery charger, controller and other electronic devices
need to be disconnected since they will contribute to the
premature discharge of batteries.
During periods of storage, the batteries will need atten-
tion to keep them maintained and prevent discharge.
In high temperatures the chemical reaction is faster,
while low temperatures cause the chemical reaction to
slow down. A vehicle that is stored at 90° F (32° C) will
lose .002 of specific gravity each day. If a fully charged
battery has a specific gravity of 1.275, and the battery is
allowed to sit unused, it will become partially dis-
charged. When it reaches 1.240, which it will do in less
than twenty days, it should be recharged. If a battery is
left in a discharged state, sulfating takes place on and
within the plates. This condition is not reversible and will
cause permanent damage to the battery. In order to pre-
vent damage, the battery should be recharged. A
hydrometer (P/N 50900-G1) can be used to determine
the specific gravity and therefore the state of charge of a
battery.
In winter conditions, the battery must be fully charged to
prevent the possibility of freezing (Ref. Fig. 6 on Page
H-5). A fully charged battery will not freeze in tempera-
tures above -75° F (-60° C). Although the chemical reac-
tion is slowed in cold temperatures, the battery must be
stored fully charged, and disconnected from any circuit
that could discharge the battery. For portable chargers,
disconnect the charging plug from the vehicle recepta-
cle. For on-board chargers, disconnect the charging har-
ness from the batteries. The batteries must be cleaned
and all deposits neutralized and removed from the bat-
tery case to prevent self discharge. The batteries should
be tested or recharged at thirty day minimum intervals.
.
Fig. 6 Freezing Point of Electrolyte
Battery Charging
The
battery charger is designed to fully charge the bat-
tery set. If the batteries are severely deep cycled, some
automatic battery chargers contain an electronic module
that may not activate and the battery charger will not
function. Automatic chargers will determine the correct
duration of charge to the battery set and will shut off
when the battery set is fully charged. Always refer to the
instructions of the specific charger used.
Before charging, the following should be observed:
Do not overfill batteries. The charging cycle will expel
electrolyte and result in component damage.
•
The electrolyte level in all cells must be at the rec-
ommended level and cover the plates.
•
The charging must take place in an area that is
well ventilated and capable of removing the hydro-
gen gas that is generated by the charging process.
A minimum of five air exchanges per hour is rec-
ommended.
•
The charging connector components are in good
condition and free from dirt or debris.
•
The charger connector is fully inserted into the
vehicle receptacle.
•
The charger connector/cord set is protected from
damage and is located in an area to prevent injury
1.100
1.120
1.160
1.200
1.240
1.280
1.140
1.180
1.220
1.260
1.300
-9
-15
-21
-26
-32
-37
-43
-48
-54
-60
-65
-71
E
L
E
C
T
R
O
L
Y
T
E
T
E
M
P
E
R
A
T
U
R
E
SPECIFIC GRAVITY ELECTROLYTE FREEZING POINT
O
C
+15
+5
-5
-15
-25
-35
-45
-55
-65
-75
-85
-95
O
F
