E-Z-GO Express S4 - Electric Owner Manual - Page 68

MAINTENANCE Read all of this manual to become thoroughly familiar with this vehicle. Pay particular attention to all Notices, Cautions, Warnings, and Dangers. When cleaning the outside of the batteries and terminals, do not use a water hose without first spraying the batteries with a solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water to neutralize any acid deposits. Use of a water hose without first neutralizing the acid will move the acid from the top of the batteries to another area of the vehicle or storage facility, where it will attack the metal structure or the concrete/asphalt floor. After hosing down the batteries, a residue will be left on the batteries which is conductive and will contribute to the discharge of the batteries. The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top and sides of the batteries with a solution of baking soda and water. This solution is best applied with a garden-type sprayer equipped with a non-metallic spray wand or plastic spray bottle. The solution should consist of baking soda mixed with clear water. In addition to the batteries special attention should be paid to metallic components adjacent to the batteries, these should also be sprayed with the baking soda solution. Allow the solution to set for at least three minutes; use a soft bristle brush or cloth to 5 wipe the tops of the batteries in order to remove any residue that could cause the self-discharge of the battery. Rinse the entire area with low pressure clear water. All of the items required for complete battery cleaning and watering are contained in the Battery Maintenance Kit (P/N 25587G01). Cleaning should take place once a month or more often under extreme conditions. After batteries are clean and dry, the terminals should be coated with a commercially available protectant. Aerosol containers of battery terminal protectant must be used with extreme care. Insulate the metal container to prevent the can from contacting the battery terminals. 1/4 Cup (60 ML) Baking Soda Non-Metalic Wand 1 quart (1 liter) Clear Water 2 Teaspoons (10 ml) Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) OR Plastic Spray Bottle 1 1/2 GAL (6 Liters) Water 2 GAL (8 Liters) Gargen Sprayer (1 1/2 GAL (6 Liters) Baking Soda Solution Preparing Acid Neutralizing Solution Battery Replacement Before any electrical service is performed on TruCourse technology model vehicles, the Run-Tow/Maintenance switch must be placed in the 'Tow/Maintenance' position. If a power wire (battery, motor or controller) is disconnected for any reason, the Run-Tow/Maintenance switch must be left in the 'Tow/Maintenance' position for at least 30 seconds after the circuit is restored. Remove battery hold downs and cables. Lift out batteries with a commercially available lifting device. If the batteries have been cleaned and any acid in the battery rack area neutralized as recommended, no corrosion to the battery racks or surrounding area should be present. Any corrosion found should be immediately removed with a putty knife and a wire brush. The area should be washed with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water and thoroughly dried before priming and painting with a corrosion resistant paint. The batteries should be placed into the battery racks and the battery hold downs tightened to 45 - 55 in. lbs. (5 - 6 Nm) torque, to prevent movement but not tight enough to cause distortion of the battery cases. Inspect all wires and terminals. Clean any corrosion from the battery terminals or the wire terminals with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and brush clean if required. 5 - 18