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Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
4.6.5. BATTERY TESTING
There are two types of battery tests: Unloaded and
Loaded. The unloaded test is the procedure that
will be discussed. It’s the simplest and most
commonly used. An unloaded test is made on a
battery without discharging current. To perform
unloaded testing, check charge condition using
either a hydrometer or voltmeter.
1. Using a voltmeter, voltage readings appear
instantly to show the state of charge. Remember to
hook the positive lead to the battery’s positive
terminal, and the negative lead to the negative
terminal.
2. A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of
each cell. The specific gravity tells the degree of
charge; generally, a specific gravity of about 1.265
to 1.280 indicates full charge. A reading of 1.230 to
1.260 indicates the battery should be charged. The
Battery Condition chart below shows the charge
level as measured by syringe float hydrometer,
digital voltmeter and five ball hydrometer.
4.6.6. NEW BATTERY PREPARATION
1. Remove battery from carton.
2. Place battery in a well ventilated area on a level
non-concrete surface.
3. Remove battery cell caps. Fill cells as required
with electrolyte (purchased separately) to proper
level. Filling battery with electrolyte will bring the
battery to 80% charged state.
4. With cell caps removed, connect battery charger
to battery terminals; RED to positive (+) and BLACK
to negative (-) terminal.
WARNING
DO NOT OVERFILL! DO NOT attempt to charge
battery while installed on the SCRAMBLER. DO NOT
use “BOOST” chargers on the battery.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT place anything in new battery
other than specified electrolyte.
5. Slow charge the battery at 1 amp for 2 hours to
bring the battery to full charge.
6. After charging, check level of electrolyte and
add as needed to bring to proper level.
7. Reinstall cell caps.
8. Install battery into power unit. Connect over flow
tube.
9. Connect positive (+) cable (red) first, from wiring
harness to the positive terminal (+) on battery
using bolt and nut provided in hardware bag.
Connect negative (-) cable (black) last, to negative
terminal (-) on battery using bolt and nut. Apply a
small amount of grease over terminals to prevent
corrosion.
WARNING
Shield the positive terminal with terminal cover
located on battery harness. This prevents metal from
touching the positive terminal, which could cause
sparks.
Batter
y
Condition Chart
State of Charge Syringe Hydrometer Digital Voltmeter Five Ball Hydrometer
100% Charged w/ Sulfate Stop 1.280 12.80v Five Balls Floating
100% Charged 1.265 12.60v Four Balls Floating
75% Charged 1.210 12.40v Three Balls Floating
50% Charged 1.160 12.10v Two Balls Floating
25% Charged 1.120 11.90v One Ball Floating
0% Charged Less than 1.100 Less than 11.80v Zero Balls Floating
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