Battery Maintenance; Testing The Battery - Holiday Rambler Imperial 2008 Owner's Manual

CAUTION:
Many types of petroleum based
products or battery by-products can
damage the paint finish. DO NOT allow
these types of chemicals to get on the
paint finish. If the chemicals splatter
on to the painted surfaces, immediately
rinse the surface using plenty of water
and a mild detergent.

Battery Maintenance

Liquid Lead Acid (LLA) battery cells
should be checked at least once a month. The
level should be above the top of the plates, but
not overfull. The electrolyte level should be
approximately 3/8" below the well to allow
room for expansion while the battery is being
charged. Over-fi lling the battery will allow the
electrolyte solution to boil or gas out of the
battery cap.
3/8"
Sticker located on batteries
Remember to use only distilled water to refi ll
the battery. A battery with a low electrolyte level
will rapidly boil out the water once the plates
have been exposed to air.
Periodically check the batteries for corrosion
and cracks. Replace vent plugs that are cracked
or missing. Keep the top of the batteries clean.
The accumulation of electrolyte and dirt may
permit small amounts of current to fl ow between
the terminals, which can drain the battery.
Check the battery connections for tightness
and corrosion. If corrosion is found, disconnect
the cables (mark cable locations) and carefully
clean them with a mild solution of baking soda
and water, or an aerosol product specifi cally
designed for battery maintenance.
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - HOUSE — 8
DO NOT allow cleaning solution to seep into
the battery and damage the electrolyte balance.
Use water to rinse the top of the battery and
surrounding area when done. Carefully hook the
cables back to the battery. The battery cable to
battery terminal connections should be metal to
metal. Coat the terminals with petroleum jelly or
an anti-corrosion grease.
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WARNING:
Liquid lead acid batteries produce a
highly explosive hydrogen gas while
charging. DO NOT smoke around
batteries and keep all sources of ignition
or flames away from batteries. The
hydrogen gas may explode resulting in
fire, personal injury, property damage
or death.

Testing the Battery

A battery can be tested and/or monitored
several ways.
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Checking the Electrolyte Solution (LLA Only):
The most effi cient
way to test the batteries
is check the electrolyte
solution with a
hydrometer. Many styles
are available, from types
with cylinder graduation
(shown here) to types
with fl oating balls.
Hydrometers can be
purchased from most auto
parts stores.
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Hydrometer
(cylinder type)
shown testing LLA
type battery.
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