Xantrex Truecharge 20+ Amp Owner's Manual - Maintaining and Cleaning

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.