Starting Battery; Deep Cycle Battery; Battery Maintenance - Monaco 2002 Diplomat Service Manual

Table of Contents

Starting batteries are designed for high output cranking power, but not for

deep cycling like the house batteries are designed to do. Starting batteries

will not last long in deep cycle application. The way they are rated should

give a good indication of their intended use. "Cold Cranking Ampere" is a

measurement of amperage output that can be sustained for 30 seconds.

Starting batteries use thin plates to maximize the surface area of the battery.

This allows a very high starting current but lets the plates warp when the

battery is deep cycled (discharged).

Deep cycle batteries are best suited for use with 12 Volt operated lights,

appliances and inverters. Deep cycle batteries are designed to have a majori-

ty of their capacity used before being recharged. These are available in many

sizes and types. The most common is a non-sealed, liquid electrolyte battery.

The non-sealed types have battery caps. The caps should be removed period-

ically to check the level of electrolyte. When a cell is low, only distilled

water should be added. Water consumption will vary depending on many

factors: how far the batteries are depleted, how long the voltage is being

applied to charge the batteries, how much voltage is used and how often this

occurs.

NOTE: Tap water contains minerals which can alter bat-

tery chemistry and ruin the battery. Use only distilled water

when refilling the battery.

At a minimum, the battery electrolyte level should be checked at least

once a month. Check the level sooner if the battery is frequently used. The

level should be above the top of the plates, but not overfull. Most batteries

have a plastic cup or well. The electrolyte level should be approximately

3/8" below the well to allow room for expansion while the battery is being

charged. Over-filling the battery will allow the electrolyte solution to boil or

gas out of the battery cap. Remember to use only distilled water to refill the

battery. A battery with a low electrolyte level will boil the water out rapidly

once the plates have been exposed to air. This process may take only a mat-

ter of hours. If this has happened the battery is more than likely damaged.

After checking the battery's electrolyte levels it is also a good idea to

check the battery connections for tightness and corrosion. If any corrosion is

found disconnect the cables (make sure to mark their locations) and carefully

clean them with a mild solution of baking soda and water. There are also

aerosol products available that will work. This will neutralize any acid that

may be present. Do not allow the solution to enter the battery as this will

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.

Coat the terminals with petroleum jelly or an anticorrsion grease.

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D I P L O M A T

Electrical Systems - House