E-Z-GO ST 480 Owner'S And Service Manual Download

Page: 11 / 66

OPERATION AND SERVICE INFORMATION

3-3

Read all of manual to become thoroughly familiar with this vehicle. Pay particular attention to all Notes, Cautions and Warnings

MODIFICATIONS TO VEHICLE

Changes to the weight distribution
or the center of gravity may make it
unstable or prone to roll over which

could result in injury or death to the operator or passenger.

Do not modify the vehicle in any manner that will change the weight
distribution of the vehicle. Changes to the weight distribution or the cen-
ter of gravity may make it unstable or prone to roll over which could
result in injury or death to the operator or passenger.

COMMON SENSE OPERATION

This vehicle is not a toy. If not operated properly and responsibly, it
can cause severe injury or death to the operator, passenger or
bystanders. All operators should possess a valid driver’s license. Chil-
dren should not be permitted to operate the vehicle. Children may not
have the skill, judgement or strength to operate this or similar vehicles.

Alcohol, drugs and many over the counter medications reduce the abil-
ity of the driver to operate the vehicle safely. Always review side effects
of any medication with a doctor or pharmacist before operating vehicle.

Protective clothing and an approved motorcycle helmet are recom-
mended for operator and passenger at all times.

When driving at full speed on a dirt road, loose surfaces or wet grass,
vehicle stopping distance will increase. If the vehicle is fully loaded, it
will take longer to stop than with no load. When operating vehicle in wet
weather conditions, remember that the brakes may need to be lightly
applied in order to provide enough friction to dry the brake unit. If wet,
the brakes will lose much of their effect.

Slow down when in unfamiliar terrain. Slow down when cresting a hill in
an area that you are unfamiliar with.

Some hills are too steep to climb. If you attempt to climb a hill that is too
steep or if you are unable to achieve adequate traction, do not attempt
to turn around on the hill. Slowly back straight down the hill using
the service brake to control speed.

POWER CONSUMPTION

The vehicle uses a combination starter/generator to both start the
engine and charge the battery. The engine will not idle; therefore, the
battery cannot be charged while the vehicle is stopped. Do not operate
accessory items (such as accessory lights, radios, winch, etc.) exces-
sively while the vehicle is stopped.

Overuse of accessories may drain
the battery and leave insufficient

reserve to start the vehicle.

The generator is only capable of supplying 35 amps; therefore, opera-
tion of all accessories could result in the discharge of the battery even
though the engine is running and the generator operating. Discharging
the battery is known as deep cycling. The battery is not a deep cycle
model, but is a starting battery. Multiple deep cycling of the battery will
result in the premature failure of the battery.

Vehicle battery must be fully charged before initial use.

Hydrogen gas is generated as a nat-
ural part of the lead acid battery
charging process. A 4% concentra-

tion of hydrogen gas is explosive and could cause severe