Battery Maintenance-Lead Acid & AGM

Battery Maintenance Information by Kelowna CartsPlus

Inspection

Suggested equipment: Distilled water, goggles & rubber gloves, protective clothing.

• Look for cracks in the container.
• The tops of batteries, posts, and connections should be clean and free of dirt, fluids, and corrosion. If batteries are dirty, refer to the cleaning section below.
• Repair or replace any damaged batteries.
• Any fluids on or around the batteries may indicate that electrolyte is spilling or leaking out. Leaking batteries must be repaired or replaced.

Checking Battery Cables & Connections

• Look closely for loose or damaged parts.
• Battery cables should be intact; broken or frayed cables can be extremely hazardous. Replace any cable that looks suspicious.
• Tighten wiring connections to proper specifications and ensure good contact with the terminals.
• Torque specification: LPT-95–105 in‑lbs (requires a special inch/pound torque wrench).
• WARNING: Do not overtighten terminals. Doing so can result in post-breakage, post-meltdown, or fire.

Cleaning

• Check that all vent caps are tightly in place.
• Clean the tops of batteries with a cloth or brush and a solution of baking soda and water.
• When cleaning, do not allow any cleaning solution or foreign matter inside the batteries.
• Rinse with water and dry with a cloth.

Watering (Lead Acid Only)

Battery plates must be covered BEFORE charging; do not let plates be exposed to air. Do not top up batteries until AFTER charging — too full can cause corrosive damage. Use distilled or deionized water ONLY. Avoid contact with battery water/acid as it can damage material and burn skin.

1. Open vent caps and look inside the fill wells before charging.
2. Check electrolyte level; the minimum level is at the top of the plates.
3. Add just enough water to cover the plates at this time.
4. Put batteries on a complete charge before adding any more water.
5. Once charging is complete, open the vent caps and look inside the wells.
6. Add water so the level is 1/8″ below the bottom of the fill well.
7. Check the water/acid level using a wooden popsicle stick as a dip stick.
8. Clean, replace, and tighten all vent caps.

Charging

Carts should be charged at the end of each day after use. If the cart will not be used for a few days (4–5), unplug the charger from the cart after charging. After two weeks of no use, plug the cart into the charger to charge; when fully charged, unplug the charger. Repeat this process every two weeks when the cart is not being used.

Note: Batteries should be charged/discharged twice a year minimum.