Battery Discharge Test; Storage Of Batteries - Cub Cadet 2000 Series Professional Shop Manual

Battery discharge test

Figure 7.53
5. Once the presence of a draw is confirmed, disconnect components of the system one at a time while monitor-
ing an ammeter to see which makes the draw stop.
6. If the battery is being checked independently of the equipment it powers, measure and note the battery voltage
while it is disconnected, over a three-day period.
7. There should be less than a 0.2 volt drop in the readings. If there is more than a 0.2 volt drop, the battery is
bad.

Storage of batteries

1. Always store a battery with a full charge. This may require periodic re-charging.
NOTE: This does not apply to a dry battery that has not had the electrolyte added to it yet.
2. Take measures to prevent the battery from freezing in cold weather. The electrolyte in a fully charged battery
has a lower freezing point than the electrolyte in a battery with a lower state of charge.
3. Store the battery in a cool, dry place.
4. If storing multiple batteries (primarily store stock), rotate the stock so that the oldest battery goes out first. This
will increase the life of the batteries.
Occasionally a battery will discharge while sitting
unused. To test for a battery that is "leaking" voltage:
1. Confirm that operator technique is not creating a situ-
ation that cases a draw. As an example, if a home-
owner habitually turns their equipment off using a
safety switch (perhaps vacating the seat with the key
switch still ON), that may leave a relay or fuel shut-off
solenoid energized.
2. Disconnect and charge the battery fully.
3. Use the ammeter function of a DMM to check for a
power draw between the negative post on the battery
and the end of the ground cable that normally con-
nects to it. There should be no significant D.C.
Amperage flow. See Figure 7.53.
4. A spark jumping from the post to the cable end is an
indication that there is a substantial current draw, but
should not be used repeatedly as a diagnostic tool.
This is an extremely unkind thing to do to any elec-
tronic components of the mower.
Electrical System
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