Club Car FE350 2005 Maintenance Service Supplement page 32

11
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Test Procedure 1 – Battery, Continued:
6. Hold the hydrometer vertically, ensuring that the float is not contacting the sides of the glass tube. Hold
the hydrometer at eye level and read the scale at the level of electrolyte (Figure 11-8, Page 11-16).
7. Record the reading.
8. Return the electrolyte to the cell from which it was taken. Replace vent cap.
9. Repeat steps 2 through 8 on all cells.
Figure 11-8 Hydrometer Test
Hydrometer Calibration
Most hydrometers are calibrated to read correctly at 80 °F (27 °C). The readings obtained as described above
must be corrected for temperature. For each 10 °F (5.6 °C) above 80 °F (27 °C), add 0.004 to the reading. For
each 10 °F (5.6 °C) below 80 °F (27 °C), subtract 0.004 from the reading.
Interpreting the Results of the Hydrometer Test
The approximate state of charge can be determined by referring to the following table:
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
(TEMPERATURE
CORRECTED)
1.250-1.280
1.220-1.240
1.190-1.210
1.160-1.180
If the difference between the cells is 0.020 or more, the low cell should be suspected. It may require a catch-
up charge or it may be a weak cell. When the variations between cells reach 0.050 or more, the battery should
be replaced.
Page 11-16 2005 FE350 Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Supplement
1.250
1.280
VIEW AT
EYE LEVEL
APPROXIMATE
STATE OF CHARGE
100%
75%
50%
25%
BATTERY
CAP
PLATES
LEVEL AT LEAST
1/2 INCH (13 mm)
ABOVE PLATES
Figure 11-9 Battery Electrolyte Level
Test Procedures
ELECTROLYTE
OR TO LEVEL
INDICATOR