Mineral Content; Vibration Damage; Battery Charging - Club Car Precedent 2004 Maintenance And Service

13
BATTERIES
Electrolyte Level, Continued:
The electrolyte level should be checked weekly to be sure electrolyte is at its proper level (Figure 13-6,
Page 13-5). 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.

MINERAL CONTENT

For the longest battery life, use distilled water in batteries. However, if tap water is to be used, be sure the min-
eral contents are below these levels:
IMPURITY
Suspended matter
Total solids
Calcium and Magnesium
Oxides
Iron
Ammonia
Organic matter
Nitrates
Nitrites
Chloride

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. Battery hold-downs should be tightened to 40 in-
lb (4.5 N·m). 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 13-3.

BATTERY CHARGING

See General Warnings, Section 1, Page 1-1.
The charger supplied with the Club Car electric vehicle resolves the most common problems associated with
battery charging. Undercharging and overcharging are prevented provided the charger is allowed to shut off
by itself. Also, all cells are automatically given an equalization charge at low current, which prolongs battery
life. Batteries should never be left in a discharged state, as this too affects the internal components and can
reduce the capacity of the battery. The batteries should be charged every day they are used. However, the
batteries should not be charged if they have not been used.
Page 13-6 2004 Precedent Electric Golf Car Maintenance and Service Manual
ALLOWABLE CONTENT
(PARTS PER MILLION)
Trace
100.0
40.0
5.0
8.0
50.0
10.0
5.0
5.0
Battery Charging