Failure
to store a vehicle properly during extended storage periods can
result in battery and/or engine damage and render the vehicle
inoperative. To prepare a vehicle for winter storage, the following
steps outline the procedure that should be followed.
NOTE:
See Warnings in Owner’s Manual prior to performing any
maintenance.
NOTE:
Complete storage procedures can be found in all Maintenance and
Service Manuals as well as the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
Electric
Vehicles:
Turn
the key switch to the OFF
position,
remove the key and leave the Forward/Reverse switch in the NEUTRAL
position
during storage.
Place
the Tow/Run switch in the TOW
position.
This is to prevent unintentionally starting the vehicle or a fire
hazard.
Batteries
should be fully charged prior to cars going into off-season storage.
Ensure
electrolyte level is at the proper level.
Only
check electrolyte level on a fully charged battery.
If
electrolyte level is below the top of the plates, refer to the
Battery Care section of the Owner’s Manual.
Check
all electrical wiring and connections for tightness.
Vehicles
connected to chargers:
The
electrolyte (water) level and AC power should be checked monthly.
NOTE:
If water has been added to batteries, either individually or through
a Single Point Watering System (SPWS) to bring the electrolyte up to
the proper level, the batteries must be placed on charge. Disconnect
the DC charger cord from the charger receptacle, wait 5 seconds and
reconnect the DC cord to restart thecharger. This must be repeated
each time water is added to batteries during storage.
Chargers
should be left plugged in so the batteries can be automatically
maintained by the car's onboard computer (OBC) and charged as
necessary.
NOTE:
The OBC keeps track of the time spent in storage mode. When the OBC
detects that the storage charge cycles may have depleted the
available electrolyte, it will stop the charger from further
operation. Disconnecting
then reconnecting the DC cord (stationary charger) or AC cord
(onboard charger) indicates to the OBC that the electrolyte levels
have been maintained and allows the OBC to resume operation.
While
in storage, the Tow/Run switch should be in Tow.
When in Tow mode, the amber battery warning light will not
illuminate. Do not attempt to use the battery light as an indication
of battery state while in storage.
If
AC power is off for 7 days or longer, the OBC will not function or
charge the vehicle again until it has been restarted. To restart the
computer, make sure AC power has been restored, disconnect the DC
cord (stationary charger) from the vehicle or the AC cord (onboard
charger) from the power source, wait five seconds, then reconnect
it.
Be
sure to check the batteries and charger monthly to maintain correct
battery water level and ensure the charger is operating correctly
during storage.
If
the charger cannot remain plugged in, AC power will not be available
during extended storage, or electrolyte levels will not be
maintained, then disconnect the batteries for storage.
Perform
all required preventive maintenance procedures.
Properly
inflate tires to 18 to 20 psi.
Perform
all semiannual periodic lubrications. See the Periodic Lubrication
Schedule in the Maintenance & Service and Owner’s manuals.
Do
not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling.
Vehicles
NOT connected to chargers:
If
the chargers are not going to be used to maintain batteries, the
Tow/Run switch should be placed in the TOW
position
and the batteries disconnected after a full charge to prevent any
parasitic loss during storage.
NOTE:
If water has been added to batteries, either individually or through
a Single Point Watering System (SPWS) to bring the electrolyte up to
the proper level, the batteries must be placed on charge. Disconnect
the DC charger cord from the charger receptacle, wait 5 seconds and
reconnect the DC cord to restart the charger. Disconnect the charger
and battery wiring only after the charger has shut itself off.
Perform
all required preventive maintenance procedures.
Properly
inflate tires to 18 to 20 psi.
Perform
all semiannual periodic lubrications. See the Periodic Lubrication
Schedule in the Maintenance & Service and Owner’s manuals.
Do
not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling.
Gasoline-Powered
Vehicles:
Turn
the Key Switch to the OFF
position,
remove the key, and leave the Forward/Reverse switch in the NEUTRAL
position
during storage. Perform all required preventive maintenance
procedures.
Properly
inflate tires to 12 to 14 PSI.
Perform
all semiannual periodic lubrications. See the Periodic Lubrication
Schedule in the Maintenance & Service and Owner’s manuals.
Place
the Forward/Reverse handle in the NEUTRAL
position
and the neutral lockout cam in the MAINTENANCE
position.
Turn
the fuel shut-off valve to the closed (OFF)
position and run the engine until fuel remaining in the carburetor
and fuel lines is depleted and the engine stalls. Return the neutral
lockout cam to the OPERATE
position.
Loosen,
but do not remove the carburetor drain screw and drain any fuel
remaining in bowl into an approved container. Then pour the fuel
from the container into the vehicle’s fuel tank and replace
and secure the tank cap.
Tighten
the carburetor drain screw.
Disconnect
the fuel vent line from tank vent nipple.
Plug
the fuel tank vent nipple so that it is air tight. We recommend
using a slip-on vinyl cap.
Disconnect
the battery cables: negative cable first, then positive. Make sure
the battery is clean: Wash the top and terminals of the battery with
a baking soda and water solution (1 cup baking soda per 1 gallon of
water). Then rinse solution off, dry, and coat battery terminals
with Battery Terminal Protector Spray (Club Car part number
1014305).
To
protect the engine, remove the spark plug and pour ½ ounce of
SAE 10 weight oil into the engine through the spark plug hole.
Rotate the crankshaft by hand several times, and then install the
spark plug.
Do
not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling.
Don't
forget, if your leaving your cart outside you will want a way to
protect it from the elements! Our storage covers are on sale until
October 31st
