98
MAINTENANCE
Battery
Battery Charging (Conventional Battery)
1. Remove the battery from the vehicle to prevent damage from leak-
ing or spilled electrolyte during charging. See page 95.
2. Charge the battery with a charging output no larger than 1/10 of the
battery’s amp/hr rating. Charge as needed to raise the specific grav-
ity to 1.270 or greater.
3. Reinstall the battery. See page 96. Make sure the positive terminal is
toward the front of the vehicle.
Battery Charging (Sealed Battery)
The following battery charging instructions apply only to the installa-
tion of a sealed battery. Read all instructions before proceeding with the
installation of this battery.
The sealed battery is already filled with electrolyte and has been sealed
and
fully charged
at the factory.
Never
pry the sealing strip off or add
any other fluid to this battery.
The single most important thing about maintaining a sealed battery is to
keep it fully charged. Since the battery is sealed and the sealing strip
cannot be removed, you must use a voltmeter or multimeter to measure
DC voltage.
For a refresh charge, follow all instructions carefully.
1. Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter or multimeter. A fully
charged battery will register 12.8 V or higher.
2. If the voltage is less than 12.8 volts, recharge the battery at 1.2 amps
or less until battery voltage is 12.8 or greater.
NOTE:
When using an automatic charger, refer to the charger manufacturer's
instructions for recharging. When using a constant current charger,
use the guidelines on the next page for recharging.
WARNING
An overheated battery may explode, causing severe injury or death. Always
watch charging times carefully. Stop charging if the battery becomes very
warm to the touch. Allow it to cool before resuming charging.
