Battery Condition Meter; Aux. Start Switch; Auxiliary Battery Switch - Winnebago 2004 Chalet Owner's Manual

SECTION 6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
· Check the state of charge periodically to
avoid discharge or sulfating.
To ensure that the battery will always accept
and hold a charge, follow these simple mainte-
nance practices.
· Make sure the batteries always remain se-
curely clamped in the battery tray.
· Make sure battery cable clamps are tight on
the terminal posts and are free of corrosion.
· Neutralize corrosion buildup or acid film on
top of battery by washing with a baking soda/
water solution. Rinse with clear water.
NOTE: Make sure vent caps are on securely to
prevent baking soda solution from enter-
ing the battery and contaminating the
electrolyte fluid.
WARNING
Before removing any battery cables or
battery, make sure all 12-volt equip-
ment in the motor home is off and the
power cord has been disconnected.
Be sure to replace the battery terminal
boot back onto the positive terminal
before sliding tray in after servicing.
Care must be taken when sliding the
battery tray back in, to avoid pinching
the cable between the tray and the ve-
hicle frame. Should the cable be dam-
aged, a short could result in personal
injury or damage to equipment. Re-
place any damaged cables at once. Al-
ways remove jewelry and wear
protective clothing and eye covering
when checking or handling batteries.
Reinstall the retainer bin when return-
ing the tray to the storage position.
· Clean and tighten battery terminals and have
the specific gravity checked at least once a
year.
6-8
· Every two months, or more often in hot
weather, check the battery fluid level. Fill to
approximately 3/8 inch above the plates. DO
NOT OVERFILL. If fluid is added during
freezing weather, the motor home should be
driven several miles to mix water and electro-
lyte to prevent freezing.
· Fluid level check may be omitted if equipped
with maintenance-free batteries.
WARNING
To prevent wiring damage, it is
essential when replacing the cables
on the battery, or when using a
"booster" battery, that the positive
post and the positive cable be
attached and the negative post and
negative cable be attached. The posts
are marked (+) plus and (-) minus. If
a "fast charger" is used while battery
is in the motor home, disconnect both
battery cables before connecting the
charger. Never attempt to charge or
boost a frozen battery.

BATTERY CONDITION METER

See related item under "Monitor Panel" in sec-
tion 8, Appliances.

AUX. START SWITCH

See section 2, Driving Your Motor Home for
information on Aux. Start Switch.
AUXILIARY BATTERY (Aux. Batt)
SWITCH
See section 2, Driving Your Motor Home, for
information on the Auxiliary Battery Switch.