PIAGGIO X9 Service Station Manual page 131

Electrical equipment
Checking the battery charge
After restoring the electrolyte level, check its density
with the special hydrometer (see figure).
When the battery is charged, electrolyte density must
be between 30 and 32 Bé, corresponding to specific
gravity of 1.26-1.28 at a temperature not lower than
15°C. If density has fallen below 20° Bé, the battery is
completely discharged and needs recharging. At the
end of charging, the voltage of each cell must be 2.6 -
2.8 V. The discharge limit for each cell is 1.8V.
When charging is terminated, check the electrolyte
level and density as well as the voltage of each cell. If
the vehicle is not used for some time (1 month or more)
the battery must be periodically recharged. In three
months the battery runs down completely.
When refitting the battery take care not to invert the
connections: the ground lead (black) is to be con-
nected to the negative (-) terminal and the other lead
(red) must be connected to the positive (+) terminal.
Battery recharge
Caution
- Before charging the battery remove all
cell plugs. Keep free flames or sparks away from the
battery during recharge. When the battery has to be
removed from the vehicle, disconnect the negative
terminal first.
4 - 2 2
Routine battery charging with the battery off the vehicle
must be performed with battery charger 020333y (sin-
gle) or 020334y (multiple), positioning the battery charge
selector in relation to the type of battery and setting a
current of 0.5 A for between 6 and 8 hours. Ensure you
connect up to the battery with the correct polarity (+ to
+ and - to -). The plugs must be removed from the
battery throughout the charging procedure.
Cleaning the battery
Keep the battery clean, especially the top; coat the
terminals with Vaseline.
Warning - Never use fuses having a greater capacity
than the one recommended. The use of a fuse of
unsuitable capacity may result in serious damage to the
whole vehicle or even cause a fire.
Warning - In case of urgent need, the charging time
may be reduced to 5-6 hours.
Warning - Normal drinking water contains salts that
are harmful for batteries. Use only distilled water.
Warning - To ensure maximum performance the
battery must be charged before using the vehicle.
Insufficient battery charge or low electrolyte level when
first used will result in premature failure of the battery.