E-Z-GO TXT - Electric Owner Manual - Page 32

OPERATION AND SERVICE INFORMATION Read all of manual to become familiar with this vehicle. Pay attention to all NOTICES, CAUTIONS, WARNINGS and DANGERS. BAt Each Charging Cycle To reduce the possibility of fire, never attach a battery charger to a vehicle that is to be unattended beyond the normal charging cycle. Overcharging could cause damage to the vehicle batteries and result in extreme overheating. The charger should be checked after 24 hours and unplugged after the charge cycle is complete. Before charging the batteries, inspect the plug of the battery charger and vehicle receptacle housing for dirt or debris. Charge the batteries after each day's use. damage vehicle components and the storage facility floor. Sulfuric acid loss will weaken the concentration of acid within the electrolyte and reduce the life of the battery. Vent Cap Expansion Space 1/4" to 3/8" (6 mm to 10mm) Gas Vent Vent 1/2" (13 mm) Monthly • Inspect all wiring for fraying, loose terminations, corrosion or deterioration of insulation. • Check that the electrolyte level is correct and add suitable water as required. • Clean the batteries and wire terminations. • Coat battery terminals with commercially avail- able protectant. Electrolyte Level and Water The correct level of the electrolyte is 1/2" (13 mm) above the plates in each cell. This level will leave approximately 1/4" - 3/8" (6 - 10 mm) of space between the electrolyte and the vent tube. The electrolyte level is important since any portion of the plates exposed to air will be ruined beyond repair. Also avoid filling with too much water, which will result in electrolyte being forced out of the battery due to gassing and a decrease in volume of the electrolyte that results from the charging cycle. Plates Electrolyte level should be at least 1/2" (13mm) above the plates and 1/4" to 3/8" (6 to 10 mm) below vent Fig. 15 Correct Electrolyte Level Over the life of the battery, a considerable amount of water is consumed. It is important that the water used be pure and free of contaminants that could reduce the life of the battery by reducing the chemical reaction. The water must be distilled or purified by an efficient filtration system. Water that is not distilled should be analyzed and, if required, filtration installed to permit the water to meet the requirements of the water purity table (Ref. Fig. 16). Even if the water is colorless, odorless, tasteless and fit for drinking, the water should be analyzed to see that it does not exceed the impurity levels specified in the table. DO NOT overfill batteries. The charging cycle will expel electrolyte and result in component damage A battery being charged will 'gas' with the majority of the gassing taking place at the end of the charging cycle. This gas is hydrogen which is lighter than air. Water and sulfuric acid droplets will be carried out of the battery vents by the hydrogen gas, however, this loss is minimal. If the battery electrolyte level is too high, the electrolyte will block the vent tube and the gas will force it out of the vent tube and battery cap. The water will evaporate but the sulfuric acid will remain where it can Fig. 16 Water Purity Table Page 16 Owner's Guide