Club Car DS Golf Car 2001 Owner's Manual page 28

NOTE
• RECYCLE OR DISPOSE OF DISCARDED BATTERIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL, STATE,
AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS.
• The batteries in DS V-Glide 36-Volt Electric Vehicles are 6 volts each.
• The batteries in PowerDrive System 48 and PowerDrive Plus Electric Vehicles are 8 volts each.
Both the 6- and 8-volt batteries are deep cycle batteries, specially built for electric vehicle application. Auto-
motive batteries should never be used.
New batteries will not deliver their full capabilities until they have been discharged and recharged 20 to 50
times. To obtain the maximum service life from new batteries, restrict PowerDrive System 48 vehicles with new
batteries to 36 holes of use between charges in the first two months of operation; V-Glide 36-volt vehicles
should be limited to 18 holes between charges in the first two months. Batteries should be fully charged before
first use of new vehicle, before first use of a vehicle after storage, and before releasing vehicle for use each day.
BATTERY CARE
To keep batteries in good working condition, follow this maintenance program on a regular basis:
1. The batteries should be kept clean and free of corrosion. Wash tops and terminals of batteries with a
solution of baking soda and water (1 cup baking soda per gallon of water) once per week. Rinse solu-
tion off of the batteries. See following NOTE.
NOTE
• DO NOT ALLOW THIS SOLUTION TO ENTER THE BATTERY.
• DISPOSE OF WASTE WATER PROPERLY.
Be sure terminals are tight. Let the terminals dry and then spray them with Battery Protector Spray
(Club Car Part No. 1014305).
2. The electrolyte level in the batteries should be checked weekly (see Figure 14, Page 27 for proper
level). Add water only after charging unless the electrolyte level is below the top of the plates. In this
case, add just enough water to cover the plates, charge and then check the level again. Never charge
batteries if plates are exposed above electrolyte level. For best battery life, add only distilled water. See
following NOTE.
NOTE
• A BATTERY WATERING GUN OR BOTTLE IS AVAILABLE AT MANY AUTO PARTS DEALERS.
3. The hold-down straps should be tight enough so that the batteries do not move while the vehicle is in
motion, but not so tight as to crack or buckle the battery case. Tighten hold-down retaining nuts to 40
in-lb (4.5 N·m). The terminal connections should be clean and tight, and any worn insulation or frayed
wires should be replaced. Tighten battery terminals to 110 in-lb (12.4 N·m). See following CAUTION.
CAUTION
• IF BATTERY WIRE TERMINALS ARE DAMAGED OR CORRODED, THEY SHOULD BE
REPLACED OR CLEANED AS NECESSARY. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY CAUSE THEM TO
OVERHEAT DURING OPERATION.
4. After use, the batteries should be placed on charge. The batteries should never be left discharged any
longer than absolutely necessary (do not leave discharged overnight).
26 2001 DS Golf Car Electric Vehicle Owner's Manual
Batteries