# It's springtime!- **URL:** \ **Category:** NEV & LSV Forum\ **Created:** [March 20, 2014, 10:18am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/its-springtime/4133 "2014-03-20T10:18:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![eSGEMColo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/esgemcolo/32/714_2.png) [@eSGEMColo](https://community.electricforum.com/u/eSGEMColo)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 10:18am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/its-springtime/4133/1 "2014-03-20T10:18:31Z")
…and time to get those batteries back in shape! If you have not stored your GEM in a heated, weatherproof environment, and had the battery charger plugged into a timed outlet set to go on once a week for 6 hours, then YOU have work to do! FIRST- Take your GEM for a ride to run electric through the system. Back up several times to reset brakes, then plug it in and let it take a full charge. IF—You were unable to get your cart to move, plug it in. IF—You get a “hi-lo” beep, you have at least one battery that is not taking a charge, and may be bad. TURN OFF THE MAIN SWITCH! WEAR NON-CONDUCTIVE WORK GLOVES! Step 1- Using six colors of electrical tape, 1 for each battery, clean an area on top of the battery with a damp rag and mark the top of each battery with a 2 inch piece of tape, and a ring of the same color around the positive cable of each battery. Step 2- Remove FIRST the positive cable on all batteries, THEN remove the negative cables on all batteries. AS YOU REMOVE EACH TERMINAL, use a proper battery terminal cleaner on each terminal clamp and each terminal post. Step 3- Remove each battery, and place in an outside area in a large plastic pan. (IF BATTERIES are CLEAN…move to Step 7) Step 4- AFTER making sure all cell caps are firmly in place, liberally pour DISTILLED WATER over each battery, making sure to cover the entire top. Step 5- Using a colander or sieve, liberally sprinkle pure baking soda over the entire top surface of each battery. LET SIT FOR 3 MINUTES. Step 6- Using DISTILLED WATER, thoroughly rinse the tops of all the batteries. MAKE SURE TO NOT LOSE THE TAPE!!! Thoroughly dry each battery, and move to a bench top in a well ventilated space. Step 7- ON A BENCH IN A WELL VENTILATED SPACE…Check each battery for damage (ie: cracking, swelling, arc marks. Any damaged battery should be recycled.) Step 8- Test each battery level on a charger in the “test” mode. Any battery that is not at a full charge, set aside. Any battery with a full charge, return to the GEM car in it’s proper position. Step 9- If you have any batteries that were not fully charged, separate them into 2 categories. A- No charge at all B- Partial charge Step 10- Take the category A batteries one at a time, and attempt to charge each for 1 hour. If no charge is taking after 1 hour, the battery has failed, and needs to be recycled and replaced. REPLACE ONLY WITH ‘LIKE’ BATTERIES. (ie: match the power and type, such as ‘gel’, ‘lead acid’, etc.) Step 11- Fully charge all the category B batteries on the mobile battery charger. Check hourly for overheating, leaks or swelling. Any indication of such, should be replaced. Step 12- Reinstall all the batteries to their appropriate locations, using a proper anti-oxidant conducting gel on each terminal. Wipe any excess across terminal tops, and clean any terminal boots before recapping. Mark the top of any replacement battery with the purchase/install date using a paint marker. Proper maintenance of batteries can greatly increase their reliability, performance and longevity. The first time you use the GEM for the season, you should take a run that nearly exhausts the battery bank. Then, a full overnight charge. Exercising the batteries at the beginning of the season has a tendency to increase your ‘miles per charge’ by up to 15%. IT’S SPRINGTIME!!!- turn the key and drive!