Self-Discharge; Electrolyte Level - Club Car Carryall 550 2015 Maintenance And Service Manual

14
Battery Care
WARNING
• If battery wire terminals are damaged or corroded, replace or clean them as necessary. Failure to do
so can cause them to overheat during operation and can result in fire, property damage, or personal
injury.
4. After use, charge the batteries. The batteries should never be left discharged any longer than absolutely
necessary (do not leave discharged overnight).
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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 Electric Battery Electrolyte Level

SELF-DISCHARGE

Contaminants on dirty batteries can provide a path for a small current draw that can slowly discharge batteries, thus
wasting valuable energy. To prevent self-discharge, batteries 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 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.
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
Page 14-10 2015 Carryall 550 Maintenance and Service Manual
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BATTERIES: IQ PLUS ELECTRIC VEHICLES