Technical data

33
 On clothing or the skin – remove any
contaminated clothing immediately, flush the skin
with large amounts of water, and seek medical
attention urgently.
 In the eyes – flush with clean water immediately
for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention
urgently.
 Swallowing battery acid can be fatal unless
IMMEDIATE action is taken – seek medical
attention urgently.
 During normal operation batteries emit explosive
hydrogen gas – ensure sparks and naked lights
are kept away from the engine compartment.
 For your safety remove all metal wrist bands and
jewellery before working in the engine
compartment and NEVER allow the battery
terminals or vehicle leads to make contact with
tools or metal parts of the vehicle.
WARNING!
 DO NOT reverse the polarity of the battery – the
electrical system will sustain extensive damage if
the battery leads are connected to the wrong
terminals.
Battery removal and replacement
Before disconnecting the battery, switch off all
electrical equipment and remove the ignition key.
To remove: disconnect the negative (‘–’) cable first and
then the positive (‘+’) cable. When reconnecting,
connect the positive cable first and then the negative
cable. Do not allow the battery terminals to make
contact with metal parts of the vehicle.
To release the battery from the car, undo the two bolts
securing the battery clamp and remove the clamp.
When replacing, ensure the battery is fitted the right
way round and that the clamp is secure. Tighten the
clamp bolts until the clamp is free from movement, but
do not overtighten.
Figure 18: Battery and battery clamp
Replacement battery
Only fit a replacement battery of the same type and
specification as the original – other batteries may vary
in size or have different terminal positions which could
cause a fire hazard when connected to the car’s
electrical system.
Battery disposal
Used batteries should be recycled. However, batteries
are hazardous – you should seek advice about
disposal from a Caterham dealer or your local
authority.
WARNING!
 Keep the battery upright at all times – damage
will be caused if the battery is tilted more than 45
degrees.
 DO NOT run the engine with the battery
disconnected, or disconnect the battery while the
engine is running.
Battery charging
Batteries generate explosive gases, contain corrosive
acid and produce levels of electric current sufficient to
cause serious injury. While charging always heed the
following precautions:
 Before charging, disconnect and remove the
battery from the vehicle – charging the battery
with the cables connected may damage the
vehicle’s electrical system.
 Make sure the battery charger leads are securely
clamped to the battery terminals BEFORE
switching on the battery charger. Do not move
the leads once the charger is switched on.
 While charging, shield your eyes or avoid leaning
over the battery and keep the area around the
top of the battery well ventilated.
 Do not allow naked lights near the battery
(batteries generate flammable hydrogen during
and after charging).
 When charging is finished, switch off the battery
charger BEFORE disconnecting the leads from
the battery terminals.
 After charging, leave the battery for an hour
BEFORE reconnection to the vehicle – this will
allow time for explosives gases to disperse,
thereby minimising the risk of fire or explosion.
NOTE: Be aware that a battery will take longer to
charge in a cold environment.
WARNING!
 DO NOT charge the battery if it is connected to
the car – this may seriously damage the electrical
system.
 DO NOT charge the battery if it is suspected of
being frozen.