Know the Hazards
Battery Maintenance   2827   Battery Maintenance
Battery Maintenance
BATTERIES
 
Your truck will have either a single industrial battery 
or a battery pack containing either two or four 
automotive style batteries.
Check all batteries daily unless sealed, maintenance-
free batteries have been selected.
 
CHARGERS
To use a separate external charger, follow the 
directions on the charger provided.
To use a charger built into the truck you must first 
have access to an AC electrical outlet. To charge the 
batteries:
• Turn the truck off. Do not disconnect the battery.
• Use an extension cord less than 7.5 meters (25 ft)  
  long, with a wire size of 16 AWG or heavier.
• Plug one end of the extension cord into the charging  
  socket on the console.
• Plug the other end of the cord into the AC outlet.
• Check the charging lights on the console.
WHAT THE LIGHTS MEAN
 
• A steady yellow light means there is power to the  
  charger.  If the light does not come on, or goes 
 
  out, make sure the AC outlet is working and the  
  extension cord is OK.
• A flashing yellow light means something is wrong  
  with a battery or the charger. Notify your supervisor.
• A flashing green light means the charger is working.
• A steady green light means charging is finished.
TRUCK BATTERIES CAN BE DANGEROUS
Your truck battery produces a gas that can explode.  
It also contains acid that could burn or disfigure you.
• Do not try to install, remove, charge or service your  
  truck battery unless you are trained and authorized.
• Never smoke or use an open flame around batteries.
• Your company should provide an area where it is 
 
  safe to work on batteries. Use that area for all  
  battery work.
• Use protective equipment such as gloves, eye 
 
  shields, aprons, etc.
BEFORE CHARGING YOUR TRUCK BATTERIES
• See that cells of serviceable batteries are filled  
  to the proper level. Never use an open flame to 
  check batteries.
• Make sure the truck key switch is turned OFF and all  
  controls are in the off or neutral position.
• For a built-in charger, make certain the AC outlet is 
 
  the same voltage as the battery charger.
• For an external charger, make certain the charger is 
 
  the same voltage and amperage as your battery(s).
  Read the battery charger instructions.
  Be sure the charger is turned OFF before 
 
  connecting the battery to the charger. Otherwise  
  you might create a spark which could cause a  
  battery to explode.  
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DANGER
Batteries produce explosive gas. 
Do not smoke, use open flame, or create an 
arc or sparks near this battery.  Ventilate well 
in enclosed areas and when charging.
Batteries contain Sulfuric Acid which 
causes severe burns.  Do not get in eyes, 
on skin, or clothing.  In case of contact, flush 
immediately.  Get medical attention if your 
eyes are affected.