Read all of manual to become thoroughly familiar with this vehicle. Pay particular attention to all Notes, Cautions and Warnings
Overfilling batteries may result in electrolyte
being expelled from the battery during the
charge cycle. Expelled electrolyte may
cause damage to the vehicle and storage
facility.
Aerosol containers of battery terminal pro-
tectant must be used with extreme care.
Insulate metal container to prevent can from
contacting battery terminals which could
result in an explosion.
'shorting out' a battery, which could result in
an explosion and severe personal injury or
death.
BATTERY
A battery is defined as two dissimilar metals immersed in
an acid. If the acid is absent or if the metals are not dis-
similar, a battery has not been created. The batteries
most commonly used in these vehicles are lead acid.
A battery does not store electricity, but is able to produce
electricity as the result of a chemical reaction which
releases stored chemical energy in the form of electrical
energy. The chemical reaction takes place faster in warm
conditions and slower in cold conditions. Temperature is
important when conducting tests on a battery and test
results must be corrected to compensate for temperature
differences.
As a battery ages, it still performs adequately except that
its capacity is diminished. Capacity describes the time
that a battery can continue to provide its design amperes
from a full charge.
A battery has a maximum life, therefore good mainte-
nance is designed to maximize the available life and
reduce the factors that can reduce the life of the battery.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
Tool List
Insulated wrench, 9/16"............................................... 1
Battery carrier ............................................................. 1
Hydrometer ................................................................. 1
Battery maintenance kit P/N 25587-G01 .................... 1
Battery Protective Spray ............................................. 1
O P E R A T I O N A N D S E R V I C E I N F O R M A T I O N
Wrap wrenches with
vinyl tape to prevent
the p ossibility o f a
dropped wrench from
Qty. Required
Owner's Manual and Service Guide
At Each Charging Cycle
To reduce the possibility of fire, never attach a
battery charger to a vehicle that is to be unat-
tended beyond the normal charging cycle.
Overcharging could cause damage to the vehi-
cle batteries and result in extreme overheating.
The charger should be checked after 24 hours
and unplugged after the charge cycle is com-
plete.
Before charging the batteries, inspect the plug of the bat-
tery charger and vehicle receptacle housing for dirt or
debris.
Charge the batteries after each days use.
Monthly
•
Inspect all wiring for fraying, loose terminations,
corrosion or deterioration of insulation.
•
Check that the electrolyte level is correct and add
suitable water as required.
•
Clean the batteries and wire terminations.
Electrolyte Level and Water
The correct level of the electrolyte is 1/2" (13 mm) above
the plates in each cell (Ref Fig. 22 on page 19).
Expansion
Space
1/4" to 3/8"
(6 to 10 mm)
Plates
Ref Cel 1
Fig. 22 Correct Electrolyte Level
This level will leave approximately 1/4" - 3/8" (6 - 10 mm)
of space between the electrolyte and the vent tube. The
electrolyte level is important since any portion of the
plates exposed to air will be ruined beyond repair. Of
equal importance is too much water which will result in
electrolyte being forced out of the battery due to gassing
and the increase in volume of the electrolyte that results
from the charging cycle.
Vent Cap
Gas Vent
Vent
1/2" (13 mm)
Electrolyte level should be
at least 1/2" (13 mm) above
the plates and 1/4" to 3/8"
(6 to 10 mm) below bottom
of vent
Page 19