Club Car FE350 2005 Maintenance Service Supplement page 108

12
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
General Information
See preceding DANGER statement.
Club Car gasoline vehicles are equipped with 12-volt, low-maintenance batteries. When changing a 12-volt
battery in any Club Car gasoline-powered vehicle, the same size battery with adequate amperage ratings
should be used as a replacement.
Club Car recommends a group 70, side-post battery (CCI P/N 1012328), with a 650 cranking amp rating at
32 °F (0 °C) (500 CCA at 0 °F (-17.8 °C)) and a reserve capacity of at least 105 minutes. The group 70 clas-
sification indicates battery size: 8-1/4 inches W x 6-1/2 inches D x 7-1/4 inches H (21.0 cm W x 16.5cm D x
18.4 cm H). It is important to use the proper size to ensure that the battery clamp will fit correctly.
Testing the Battery
See Section 11, Test Procedure 1, Page 11-15 and Test Procedure 25, Page 11-37.
Preventive Maintenance
To keep the battery in good operating condition, follow these steps on a regular basis.
1. Any corrosion build-up on or around the battery should be removed immediately. Post connections
should be clean and tight. Any frayed or worn wires should be replaced. After all cables have been con-
nected and properly tightened to 12 ft-lb (16 N·m), coat terminals with Battery Terminal Protector Spray
(CCI P/N 1014305) to prevent future corrosion.
2. The battery should be kept clean and dry to minimize self-discharge. Any dirt, grime or acid spillage
should be removed. Wash the battery with a bristle brush using water and bicarbonate of soda (1 cup
(237 mL) baking soda per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water). Rinse with water. Do not allow solution to enter bat-
tery through the vent cap holes. See Self-Discharge on page 12-38.
3. Maintain proper water level. See Water Level on page 12-38.
4. Check battery periodically to see that it is in a full state of charge. See Charging the Battery on
page 12-40.
5. Keep battery hold-down clamp tight. See Vibration Damage on page 12-39.
Self-Discharge
Dirt and battery acid can provide a path for a small current draw that slowly discharges the battery. To mini-
mize self-discharge, the battery should always be kept clean.
Hot weather also has an effect on a battery's self-discharge rate. The higher the temperature, the quicker a
battery will discharge. In hotter climates the battery should be checked more often. When storing the battery,
keep in a cool place. See Battery Storage on page 12-41.
Water Level
The water level should be checked semi-annually to be sure water is at its proper level (Figure 12-44,
Page 12-39). Never allow the water level to fall below the tops of the plates because this will cause the
exposed part of the plate to become permanently inactive. Check the water level more frequently in hot
weather or when the battery becomes old.
Page 12-38 2005 FE350 Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Supplement
Battery