Service manual

Course # 1 Manual
Rev. 1/02 page # 15
Service & Parts Education
WARNING
NEVER smoke or strike a match near the bat-
teries. If the caps of the battery cells are re-
moved, NEVER look directly into them when
charging the battery.
The use of rubber gloves and safety glasses
is recommended when testing the battery
cells.
When reading a hydrometer, DO NOT allow
any liquid to come in contact with your eyes
or skin. It is a form of acid and can cause
serious burns, and in some cases, blindness.
If you do get battery acid on you, flush the
exposed areas with cool water immediately.
If the acid comes into contact with eyes or
causes serious burns, get medical help IM-
MEDIATELY.
The battery acid can damage your wheel-
chair, clothing, and household items. There-
fore, take readings cautiously and only in des-
ignated areas.
Most batteries are not sold with instructions.
However, warnings are frequently noted on
the cell caps. Read them carefully.
CAUTION
ONLY use distilled water when topping off the
battery cells. Ordinary tap water will shorten
the life of the battery.
1. Remove the battery box(es) from the wheelchair.
2. Remove the battery caps from the battery.
3. Squeeze the air from the hydrometer.
4. Place the hydrometer into a battery cell.
TECHNICIANS NOTE: DO NOT fill hydrometer more
than 3/4 full.
5. Draw up sufficient acid to cover float balls.
6. Tap lightly to remove air bubbles.
7. Number of floating balls indicates charge.
NUMBER OF FLOATING BALLS
0 Discharged
1 25% Charged
2 50% Charged
3 75% Charged
4 100% Charged
* 5 Overcharged
* Check charging system.
8. Flush the liquid back into the same cell after read-
ing the float. Repeat this step until all cells have
been properly read. A shorted or dead cell can be
detected when it is the only cell that doesn’t
charge.
FIGURE 2 - USING A HYDROMETER
Number of Balls Will
Vary According to
Charge
9. Flush the hydrometer in cold running water by
allowing the water to rise into the hydrometer as
far as possible. Do this several times to guard
against burn damage.
10. Replace the battery caps.
11. Reinstall battery box(es).
14
USING HYDROMETER TO CHECK BATTERY CELLS
(FOR LEAD ACID BATTERIES ONLY, SEE FIGURE 2)