Service Manual

Workman GTX Gasoline Page 5 − 29 Electrical System
Battery Charging
To minimize possible damage to the battery and allow
the battery to be fully charged, the slow charging meth-
od is presented here. This charging method can be ac-
complished with a constant current battery charger
which is readily available.
CAUTION
Follow the battery charger manufacturer’s
instructions when using a battery charger.
NOTE: If the battery design allows removal of battery
caps, using specific gravity of the battery cells is the
most accurate method of determining battery condition.
1. Determine the battery charge level from either its
specific gravity (if the battery design allows) or open cir-
cuit voltage.
Battery Charge
Level
Specific
Gravity
Open Circuit
Voltage
100% 1.265 12.68
75% 1.225 12.45
50% 1.190 12.24
25% 1.155 12.06
0% 1.120 11.89
2. Determine the charging time and rate using the bat-
tery charger instructions or the following table.
Battery
Reserve
Capacity
(Minutes)
Battery Charge Level
(Percent of Fully Charged)
75% 50% 25% 0%
80 or
less
3.8 hrs
@
3 amps
7.5 hrs
@
3 amps
11.3 hrs
@
3 amps
15 hrs
@
3 amps
81 to 125 5.3 hrs
@
4 amps
10.5 hrs
@
4 amps
15.8 hrs
@
4 amps
21 hrs
@
4 amps
126 to
170
5.5 hrs
@
5 amps
11 hrs
@
5 amps
16.5 hrs
@
5 amps
22 hrs
@
5 amps
171 to
250
5.8 hrs
@
6 amps
11.5 hrs
@
6 amps
17.3 hrs
@
6 amps
23 hrs
@
6 amps
above
250
6 hrs
@
10 amps
12 hrs
@
10 amps
18 hrs
@
10 amps
24 hrs
@
10 amps
CAUTION
Do not charge a frozen battery because it can ex-
plode and cause injury. Let the battery warm to
60F (16C) before connecting to a charger.
Charge battery in a well−ventilated place to dissi-
pate gases produced from charging. These
gases are explosive.
Keep open flame and electrical spark away from
the battery. Do not smoke. Unplug the charger
from the electrical outlet before connecting or
disconnecting the charger leads from the battery
posts.
Nausea may result if battery gases are inhaled.
3. Connect charger cables to the battery. Make sure a
good connection is made.
4. Charge the battery following the battery charger in-
structions and the charging time and rate determined
above.
5. Occasionally check the temperature of the battery
electrolyte if battery design allows. If the temperature
exceeds 125F (52C) or if the electrolyte is violently gas-
sing or spewing, the charging rate must be lowered or
temporarily stopped.
6. Three (3) hours prior to the end of the charging, mea-
sure the specific gravity of a battery cell once per hour.
The battery is fully charged when the cells are gassing
freely at a low charging rate and there is less than a
0.003 change in specific gravity for three (3) consecu-
tive readings.
Battery Storage
If the vehicle will be stored for more than thirty (30) days,
disconnect the battery and charge it fully. Either store
the battery in the vehicle or on a shelf. Leave the battery
cables disconnected if the battery is stored in the ve-
hicle. Store the battery in a cool atmosphere to avoid
quick deterioration of the charge in the battery. To pre-
vent the battery from freezing, make sure it is fully
charged during storage.
Electrical
System