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Battery maintenance is important. Checking the condition of a battery at regular
intervals will help insure its proper operation. Here are some recommendations for
checking and servicing batteries:
Note: These instructions apply only to batteries which are not
maintenance-free batteries. Do not open or break seals on
maintenance-free batteries.
1. Keep the battery mounted securely. Vibration causes early failure of many
batteries.
2. Check the electrolyte level of the auxiliary batteries at regular intervals.
Keep each cell filled to just above the plates with distilled water. Once the
plates have dried out, they cannot be reactivated, and the capacity of the
battery is reduced in direct proportion to the area of plate surface that has
become dry. This kind of damage can occur quickly; usually it can
happen overnight. If the fluid level is low, simply add distilled water.
3. Keep the battery clean. Corroded terminals make poor contact and do
not allow the chassis alternator or the converter to bring the battery up to
full charge. Battery sulfation occurs when the battery has been standing
in a discharged condition over a long period of time, or when the battery
has been operated continually in a state of partial discharge. Use a
baking soda solution to neutralize the acid accumulations on the battery
top. Do not allow the soda solution to enter the battery. Make sure
the vent caps are secure. Flush with water. Thoroughly dry all cables and
terminals, reinstall, and use a plastic ignition spray to protect the
terminals.
4. Check the outside condition of the battery. Look for cracks in the case or
vent plugs. If the case is cracked, the battery must be replaced. If the
Electrical Systems
Battery Maintenance
DO NOT SHORT ACROSS THE BATTERY TERMINALS.
The spark could ignite the gases. Do not wear metal
jewelry or a watch when working on a battery. Before
doing ANY work on electrical system, disconnect battery
cable and the 120 volt power cord. Do not reconnect the
cables until all work has been completed. This will avoid
the possibility of shorting or causing damage to electrical
components or shock to the servicing person. Battery
electrolyte is a corrosive, poisonous, sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, clothing, or any painted surface.
BATTERIES CAN EXPLODE! Always wear splash proof
safety glasses when working near batteries. Do not
smoke or expose any battery to electric sparks or flame.
Batteries, when charging or discharging, generate
hydrogen. Hydrogen and air is a very explosive mixture.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause severe injury or
death. Sulfuric acid can cause permanent damage to eyes,
burn skin and eat holes in clothing. Always wear splash-
proof safety goggles and gloves when working around the
battery. If battery electrolyte solution is splashed in the
eyes, or on the skin, immediately flush with clean water
for 15 minutes. In case of eye contact, seek immediate
medical treatment. Never add acid to a battery once the
battery has been placed in service. Doing so may result
in hazardous splattering of electrolyte solution.
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