Content Source: 2020 GEM e2/e4/e6/eXLD Owner’s Manual (9930628-EN R01) > Maintenance Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Batteries

DANGER
The voltage in the battery pack is sufficient to cause death by electrocution. With the exception of battery inspections , never attempt to perform service on the electric drive system, including the battery pack, unless you are properly trained to work on electrical systems. Your authorized GEM dealer can provide battery-related service.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related components contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Always wash your hands after touching or handling the batteries.
WARNING
Charging a damaged battery can result in serious injury. Never attempt to charge a frozen or bulging battery. Discard the battery appropriately and install a new battery.
WARNING
Battery electrolyte is poisonous. It contains sulfuric acid. Serious burns can result from contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Antidote:
External: Flush with water.
Internal: Drink large quantities of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg, or vegetable oil. Call physician immediately.
Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame, cigarettes, etc. away. Ventilate when charging or using in an enclosed space. Always shield eyes when working near batteries. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Traction Battery Configurations

NOTICE
Before accessing the batteries, make sure any wire or metal items remain clear of the battery compartment to avoid causing a short circuit to the electrical system.
Several battery pack configurations exist for GEM vehicles.
  • Four 12-volt lead acid batteries
  • Eight 6-volt lead acid batteries
  • Single module lithium ion battery pack
  • Dual module lithium ion battery pack

Traction Battery Locations

To access the battery pack, remove any rear accessory back installed on the vehicle. See Rear Accessory Backs (Option). Release the battery pack access cover fasteners and remove the cover.

All Battery Configurations

Model

Location

GEM e2

Under rear compartment

GEM e4

Under rear compartment

GEM e6®

Under rear compartment

GEM eL XD

Under rear bed compartment

Battery Inspections/Maintenance

WARNING
Do not work in or near the battery compartment or on any other electrical component of the vehicle while charging the batteries. Before servicing the vehicle’s electrical system, always unplug the service disconnect first, then disconnect any electrical accessory connections, then disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt battery, then disconnect the negative terminal from the main battery pack. This will disable the vehicle by disconnecting the battery pack from the motor. It does not disable the battery pack. HIGH VOLTAGE will be present at the battery terminals. HIGH BATTERY VOLTAGE IS ALWAYS PRESENT. DO NOT TOUCH THE BATTERY TERMINALS.

Check Battery Connections

WARNING
Improper handling of high voltage wiring, batteries or control systems could result in serious injury or death by electric shock. Only qualified GEM technicians should repair or access high voltage wiring, battery packs and associated systems.
Inspect and clean battery terminal connections monthly. Carefully remove corrosion with a stiff wire brush. Coat battery terminals with dielectric grease or petroleum jelly. Using an insulated wrench, torque bolts to 8 ft-lbs (10.8 N·m).

Check Battery Cables and Wiring

Check the battery compartment for any signs of worn insulation, frayed cables or damaged cable ends. If found, see your authorized GEM dealer or other qualified service person for service before operating.
WARNING
If battery cable ends are damaged or corroded, they should be replaced or cleaned as necessary. Failure to do so may cause them to overheat during operation, possibly leading to fire, which may result in serious injury or death.

Check Battery Hold-Down Bars

Battery hold-down bars should be snug to keep batteries from moving while the vehicle is in motion, but not so tight as to crack or buckle the battery case. Torque fasteners to 9.5 ft-lbs (13 N·m).

Battery Replacement

WARNING
Handling batteries and electrical components improperly can result in serious injury or death. Do not attempt to remove batteries or battery cables. Battery posts are identified on the battery case as positive (+) and negative (-). Your authorized GEM dealer can provide battery-related service.
With proper care and maintenance, as outlined in this owner’s manual, battery life can be maximized, but the battery will eventually reach the end of its useful life. When battery replacement is necessary, your authorized GEM dealer can provide this service.
NOTICE
Always install batteries of the exact type and make originally supplied with the vehicle to prevent damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.

Battery Care During Storage

When the vehicle will not be used for a period of 10 days or longer, perform one of the battery storage procedures listed in the chart below.
NOTICE
If ambient temperatures could drop below freezing during the storage of a vehicle equipped with lithium-ion batteries, refer to the cold battery performance information beginning on BRAMMO® Lithium-Ion Cold Battery Performance.

Battery Storage Options

Storage Period

Charging Procedure

Less than 10 days

Fully charge the batteries, park the vehicle and turn the ignition key off. The battery will lose some of its charge during this period.

10 days to 24 weeks

Leave the charger connected. See Batteries section in Features and Control chapter.

Indefinitely or Unknown

Disconnect the charger and arrange for monthly charging.

Auxiliary Battery Storage

Your vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary battery under the dash. When the main battery is connected to a charger, the auxiliary battery is charged along with the main battery. During long-term storage (24 weeks or longer) when the main battery is not connected to a charger, the auxiliary battery must be trickle charged. If the vehicle does not operate upon removal from storage, be sure to check the auxiliary battery voltage first.

Battery Cleaning

  1. Remove corrosion with a stiff wire brush.
  2. Wash the terminals and tops of the batteries with a solution of one tablespoon baking soda and one cup water. Rinse well with tap water and dry off with clean shop towels.
  3. Make sure battery terminals are tight. Use an insulated wrench to tighten as needed.
  4. Allow battery terminals to dry, then coat the terminals with dielectric grease or petroleum jelly, or spray them with battery anti-corrosion spray.

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