3.4 BATTERY (12 V – 18 AH)
The battery is the part of the electrical system requiring closest attention and care. The most important
rules for maintaining a battery are as follows:
Maintenance-free batteries
First-time use of a maintenance-free battery:
Caring for a maintenance-free battery is confined to checking the battery voltage and if necessary
charging the battery. Checking the battery voltage must be carried out before the vehicle is delivered. A
disconnected battery kept in storage must be charged every 6 months. Prior to delivery of the vehicle, in
addition to the maintenance above, you must check the voltage and charge the battery every 6 months.
Charging a disconnected battery kept in storage:
1) Checking the battery voltage
Before connecting the battery to a vehicle use a normal voltage tester to check the voltage of the
disconnected battery
- If the battery voltage exceeds 12.6 V, you may connect the battery to the vehicle.
- If the battery voltage falls below 12.6 V, then charge the battery as described under 2).
2) Charging a battery at a constant voltage rate
- Charge at a constant voltage rate between 14.4 and 14.7 V
- Initial charging current: a 0.3 to 0.5 x nominal voltage
Duration of charge:
Recommended: 10 12 hours
Minimum: 6 hours
Maximum: 24 hours
NEVER REVERSE THE CONNECTIONS TO THE BATTERY TERMINALS: THIS WILL
CAUSE SHORT CIRCUITING AND RISKS DAMAGING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
NEVER DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TERMINALS WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, AS
THIS CAN CAUSE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM
A SPENT BATTERY IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD. RESPECT ENVIRONMENTAL
LAWS AND DISPOSE OF IT IN AN APPROPRIATE CONTAINER.
If the vehicle is stationary for prolonged periods, then the battery will gradually discharge. This is due to
natural discharging and due to consumers which are permanently supplied with electricity.
The rate at which the battery discharges also depends on ambient conditions and on whether the battery
terminals are kept clean.
To avoid starting difficulties and severely damaging the battery, observe the following rules:
- At least once a month: start the engine and run it for 10 15 minutes at engine speeds slightly
above idling speed. This keeps both the battery and the engine components in functional order.
- When you put the vehicle into storage (see instructions in
dry and well ventilated place. Charge the battery at least once every two months.
- A storage-battery is advisab
has to be removed and can be installed at the charger during the storage.
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