MAINTENANCE
43
Be careful when using aerosol containers near battery terminals. Always use a container
with insulation to prevent an explosion.
6. Connect the battery wires as shown.
7. Tighten the battery post hardware to 90 - 100
in. lbs. (6 -8 Nm) torque. Do not over-tighten
the terminal stud nut, this will cause a
“mushroom” effect on the battery post which
will prevent the terminal nut from being cor-
rectly tightened.
8. Protect the battery terminals and battery wire
terminals with a commercially available coat-
ing.
BATTERY STORAGE
NOTICE: Disconnect the battery charger, controller and other electronic devices for extended storage. All
connected electronic components cause the discharge of batteries.
During storage, the batteries must not be allowed to discharge.
In high temperatures the chemical reaction is fast, while
low temperatures cause the chemical reaction to slow. A
vehicle that is stored at 90° F (32° C) will lose.002 of spe-
cific gravity each day. If a completely charged battery has a
specific gravity of 1.275, and the battery is not used, it will
become partially discharged. When it reaches 1.240, which
it will do in less than 20 days, it must be charged again. If a
battery stays in a discharged state, sulfating occurs on and
within the plates. This condition is not reversible and will
cause permanent damage to the battery. To prevent dam-
age, the battery must be charged again. Use a hydrometer
to find the specific gravity and the state of charge of a bat-
tery.
In winter conditions, the battery must be completely
charged to prevent the risk of freezing. A completely
charged battery will not freeze in temperatures above -75°
F (-60° C). Although the chemical reaction is decreased in
cold temperatures, the battery must be stored completely
charged, and disconnected from circuits that can discharge
the battery. The controller must be disconnected from the
batteries by turning the key switch to the OFF position.
For portable chargers, disconnect the charger plug from the
vehicle receptacle.
For on-board chargers, disconnect the charging harness
from the batteries.
The batteries must be cleaned and all deposits neutralized
and removed from the battery case to prevent self dis-
charge.
The batteries must be tested or charged again at 30 day minimum intervals.
+
-
+
-
+
-
-
+
-
Front of Vehicle
To Controller
Battery Connections
+
-
+
Solenoid
1.100
1.120 1.160 1.200 1.240 1.280
1.140 1.180 1.220 1.260
-9
-15
-21
-26
-32
-37
-43
-48
-54
-60
-65
-71
E
L
E
C
T
R
O
L
Y
T
E
T
E
M
P
E
R
A
T
U
R
E
SPECIFIC GRAVITY ELECTROLYTE FREEZING POINT
O
C
+15
+5
-5
-15
-25
-35
-45
-55
-65
-75
-85
-95
O
F