2009 Kawasaki JET SKI Ultra 260X Owners Manual - Page 138

136 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS system in your watercraft helps keep the battery fully charged. If your watercraft is only used occasionally or for short periods of time, the battery is more likely to discharge. Due to their internal composition, batteries continually self discharge. The discharge rate depends on the type of battery and ambient temperature. As temperatures rise, so does the discharge rate. Every 15°C (27°F) doubles the rate. Electrical accessories, such as digital clocks and computer memory, also draw current from the battery even when the key is switched off. Combine such "key-off" draws with hot temperatures, and a battery can go from fully charged to completely discharged in a matter of days. Self-discharge Approx. Number of Days from 100% Charged to 100% Discharged Lead-Antimony Battery 100 Days 200 Days 550 Days Lead-Calcium Battery 300 Days 600 Days 950 Days Battery Sulfation A common cause of battery failure is sulfation. Sulfation occurs when the battery is left in a discharged condition for an extended time. Sulfate is a normal by product of the chemical reactions within a battery. But when continuous discharge allows the sulfate to crystallize in the cells, the battery plates become permanently damaged and will not hold a Current Drain (Y50-N18L-A) Days from 100% Days from 100% Discharging Charged to 50% Charged to 100% Ampere Discharged Discharged 7 mA 10 mA 15 mA 20 mA 30 mA 60 Days 42 Days 28 Days 21 Days 14 Days 119 Days 83 Days 56 Days 42 Days 28 Days j In extremely cold weather the fluid in an inadequately charged battery can easily freeze, which can crack the case and buckle the plates. A fully charged battery can withstand sub-freezing temperatures with no damage. Temperature WARNING Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handing. 40°C (104°F) 25°C (77°F) 0°C (32°F)