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1. Keep the batteries clean and free of corrosion. Wash tops and terminals of batteries with a solution of baking soda and
water (1 cup (237 mL) baking soda per gallon (3.8 L) of water). Rinse solution off of the batteries. Do not allow this
solution to enter the battery. Be sure terminals are tight. Let the terminals dry and then coat with Battery Terminal
Protector Spray.
NOTE: Please Dispose of waste water properly.
2. The battery hold-downs should be tight enough so that the batteries do not move while the vehicle is in motion, but not
so tight as to crack or buckle the battery case. For vecicles with a Style A battery configuration (Figure 2, Page 9),
tighten hold-down retaining nuts to 40 in-lb (4.5 N-m). For vehicles with a Style B or Style C battery configuration,
(Figure 3, Page 9) or (Figure 4, Page 10), tighten hold-down retaining nuts to 72 in-lb (8.1 N-m). The terminal
connections should be clean and tight, and any worn insulation or frayed wires should be replaced. Tighten battery
terminals to 110 in-lb (12.4 N-m). See following WARNING.
WARNING
• If battery wire terminals are damaged or corroded, replace or clean them as necessary. Failure to do so
may cause them to overheat during operation and could result in fire, property damage, or personal injury.
3. After use, charge the batteries. The batteries should never be left discharged any longer than absolutely necessary (do
not leave discharged overnight).
4. Water the batteries monthly or according to the watering interval. See Establishing the Watering Interval for New
Vehicles below. See Watering Batteries with the SPWS on page 43.
CAUTION
• The watering interval must adequately maintain the electrolyte level above the top of the plates. See Figure
30.
• Water the batteries only AFTER charging.
Establishing the Watering Interval for New Vehicles
If you do not already have a battery watering interval for your vehicles, manually check the battery water level weekly to
establish the correct watering interval. Thereafter, water batteries according to the established interval. During periods of
heavy use, add additional watering as required.
Single-Point Watering System Maintenance
1. For vehicles newly equipped with the Single-Point Watering System, the initial electrolyte level check on all battery cells
verifies that all the valves in the SPWS are functioning correctly. See Periodic Service Schedules on page 31. If a
valve fails to open, the cell will eventually dry out. The initial one-time inspection of all cells will identify any occurrence
of a valve that fails to open. If a valve fails to close, it will become evident due to the cell overflowing during routine
watering. Either failure scenario is rare, but should be monitored in the initial inspection and during routine watering
sessions. Replace malfunctioning valves to ensure maximum battery life. See following CAUTION.
CAUTION
• After checking the electrolyte, fully tighten the battery caps to prevent electrolyte leakage.
After the initial six-week inspection, manually check the electrolyte level at least once per year, particularly after long-term
storage or any other period of vehicle inactivity See preceding CAUTION.
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