E-Z-GO FREEDOM TXT 2+2 - Manual (Page 46)

MAINTENANCE
Read all of this manual to become thoroughly familiar with this vehicle. Pay particular attention to all Notices, Cautions, Warnings, and Dangers.
38
At Each Charging Cycle
To reduce the possibility of fire, never attach a battery charger to a vehicle that is to be unat-
tended beyond the normal charging cycle. Overcharging could cause damage to the vehicle bat-
teries 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.
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 available 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 elec-
trolyte 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.
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 sulph-
uric acid droplets will be carried out of the battery vents by
the hydrogen gas, however, this loss is minimal. If the bat-
tery 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 sulphuric acid
will remain where it can damage vehicle components and
the storage facility floor. Sulphuric acid loss will weaken the
concentration of acid within the electrolyte and reduce the
life of the battery.
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 dis-
tilled 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.
Vent Cap
Gas Vent
Vent
Expansion
Space
Plates
1/2” (13 mm)
1/4” to 3/8”
(6 mm to 10mm)
Electrolyte level should be at least 1/2” (13mm) above the
plates and 1/4” to 3/8” (6 to 10 mm) below vent
Correct Electrolyte Level