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19Sidekick
How can I get maximum range or distance per charge?
Rarely will you have ideal driving conditionssmooth, flat, hard driving surfaces with no wind or curves. You will
often face hills, sidewalk cracks, uneven and loosely packed surfaces, curves, and wind. All of these driving
conditions affect the distance or running time per battery charge. Below are a few suggestions for obtaining the
maximum range per battery charge.
n Always fully charge your Sidekicks batteries prior to your daily use.
n Maintain 30 psi (pounds per square inch) in all of your Sidekicks tires.
n Plan your route ahead to avoid as many hills, cracked, broken, or soft surfaces as possible.
n Limit your baggage weight to essential items.
n Try to maintain an even speed while your Sidekick is in motion.
n Avoid stop-and-go driving.
What type and size of battery should I use?
We recommend deep-cycle batteries that are sealed and maintenance free. Both Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) and Gel
Cell are deep-cycle batteries that are similar in performance in your Sidekick. Do not use wet-cell batteries, which
have removable caps.
NOTE: Do not remove the caps from sealed batteries. Water cannot be added to sealed batteries. Cap
removal voids the battery warranty and may cause damage to the batteries and to your Sidekick.
Use these specifications to reorder deep-cycle batteries:
Type: Deep-cycle (sealed lead-acid or gel cell)
Size: U-1
Voltage: 12 volts each
Amperage: 32 AH (amp hours)
To change a battery in your Sidekick:
1. Remove the seat and the rear shroud. See IX. Disassembly and Assembly.
2. Disconnect the battery cables from the electronic controller assembly.
3. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery terminals.
4. Remove the old battery.
5. Place a new battery in the battery well.
6. Connect the red battery cable to the positive (+) battery terminal.
7. Connect the black battery cable to the negative (-) battery terminal.
8. Reconnect the battery cables to the electronic controller assembly.
9. Reinstall the rear shroud and the seat.
Why do my new batteries seem weak?
Deep-cycle batteries employ a different chemical technology than is used in car batteries, nickel-cadmium batter-
ies (nicads), or in other common battery types. Deep-cycle batteries are specifically designed to provide power,
drain down their charge, and then accept a relatively quick recharge.
VI. BATTERIES AND CHARGING
WARNING! Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.