Electrolyte Level; Vibration Damage - Club Car Precedent Maintenance And Service Manual

14
Battery Care
Hot weather also has an effect on a battery's self-discharge rate. The higher the temperature, the quicker a set of
batteries will discharge. In hotter climates, batteries should be checked more often. When storing batteries, keep in
a cool place. See Battery Storage on page 14-13.

ELECTROLYTE LEVEL

CAUTION
• Do not allow battery acid from battery caps or hydrometer to drip onto the front or rear body of the
vehicle. Battery acid will cause permanent damage. Wash immediately.
1. Level Indicator 2. Cap 3. Plates
Maintain electrolyte level from at least 1/2 inch (13 mm)
above plates to 1/4 inch (6 mm) below level indicator.
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Figure 14-3 Battery Electrolyte Level
Add water only after charging unless the electrolyte is below the level of the plates. If the electrolyte level is below the
level of the plates, add just enough water to cover the plates and then charge the batteries. After charging, fill with
water to the level indicator. Filling a battery to the level indicator before charging will result in overfilling because the
electrolyte level will rise during charging and some of the electrolyte may bubble out of the cap. This reduces the
battery's capacity and corrodes the metal parts around it.
The electrolyte level should be checked weekly to be sure electrolyte is at its proper level (Figure 14-3, Page 14-10).
Never allow the electrolyte level to fall below the tops of the plates because this will cause the exposed part of the plate
to become permanently inactive. For best results, use a battery watering gun to add water to batteries. Check the
electrolyte level more frequently in hot weather or when batteries are old.

VIBRATION DAMAGE

The battery hold-downs should always be tight enough to keep the battery from bouncing. Battery life may be severely
shortened if the battery hold-downs are too loose. See step 6. of Battery Replacement on page 14-5. Excessive
vibration causes the plates to shed prematurely and shortens the life of the battery. It may also cause acid to leak out of
the vent caps and corrosion to build up on surrounding metal parts. The acid which is lost reduces the capacity of the
battery and cannot be replaced. Battery hold-downs should NOT be so tight as to crack or buckle the battery case. This
may cause leaks which would dry out a cell or cause internal short circuits. See Battery Replacement on page 14-5.
Page 14-10 2020 Precedent,Villager 2 and 4 Maintenance and Service Manual
ELECTRIC VEHICLE - BATTERIES