Battery Maintenance
C–4
Maintaining and Cleaning
Follow these procedures to maintain the
• battery enclosure
• battery terminal and lugs
• cables

Battery Enclosure and Batteries

Mix four ounces of baking soda with a gallon of fresh water and fill a
spray bottle. Spray the solution on all exposed surfaces of the battery
compartment, and wash down the exposed surfaces of the batteries and
their enclosure. Scrub stubborn areas with the scrub brush. Baking soda
will neutralize any acid that may have collected on these surfaces. Finish
by rinsing with water.

Terminals & Lugs

Loose battery terminals and lugs exposed to open air corrode rapidly. The
corrosion appears as a white powder or granular foam on the terminals
and any nearby exposed metal parts. This powder is actually a crystallized
form of sulfuric acid. If it contacts your skin, it will cause burns unless
you rinse it off immediately. Most textiles that are exposed to this
corrosive eventually dissolve.
The most common cause of battery system failure is loose or corroded
battery terminals and cable lugs. If any white powdery residue forms
between the battery cable lug and the battery terminal, remove the cable
for cleaning. When it is necessary to detach a battery cable from the
battery, disconnect all loads and charging sources. Using the appropriate
tool, remove the negative battery cable first and re-install it last.
To remove any stubborn residue, sprinkle baking soda directly on the
area, scrub with a wet toothbrush (or other soft-bristle brush), add water
as required, and then rinse.
WARNING
Review the “Important Safety Instructions” on page ix before
you begin.