Content Source: 2020 GEM em1400 LSV Owner’s Manual (9931124-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

WARNING
The voltage in the battery pack is sufficient to cause death by electrocution. With the exception of battery inspections and refilling the water in flooded type batteries, 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.

Battery Charging

When not in use, park the vehicle and connect the battery charger. The battery charge receptacle is located on the left side panel below the driver’s seat .

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WARNING
Failure to provide adequate ventilation while charging batteries can result in an explosion. Hydrogen gas is emitted during charging and will rise and accumulate at the ceiling. Always ensure a minimum of five (5) air changes per hour in the charging area. Never charge the batteries in an area subject to a flame or spark, including areas containing gas or propane water heaters and furnaces. Do not smoke in the charging area.
IMPORTANT
Ensure that your battery changing and charging facilities and procedures are in accordance with your applicable Regulatory Authority ordinances. Periodically inspect and review your facilities and procedures to ensure alignment with these ordinances.
Always follow these precautions when charging the batteries:
  1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
  2. Make sure the charging area is well ventilated.
  3. Make sure the key is off.
  4. Remove any vehicle covers and open any door enclosures or zippers.
  5. Always use an extension cord with a minimum rating of 20 amps.
  6. Inspect the charging cord and extension cord for cracks, loose connections and frayed wiring. Replace any damaged components promptly.
  7. Always connect the extension cord to the charge receptacle on the vehicle first, then plug the cord into a wall receptacle.
  8. Make sure the charger uses a dedicated circuit to prevent overloading. If charging multiple vehicles, each vehicle should use a dedicated circuit.
  9. When disconnecting the charger, always disconnect the extension cord from the wall receptacle first, then disconnect the cord from the vehicle’s charge receptacle.
TIP
If the charger turns off due to an overheated condition (thermal cutback), remove the seat to improve air flow. Reset the charger (interrupt AC power for 15 seconds).
TIP
After the batteries have fully recharged, the battery charger will automatically cycle in and out of the trickle charge mode to maintain the charge.

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.

Battery Access

To access the batteries, remove the seat. See Seat Removal. Remove the storage tray (if equipped).
NOTICE
Before removing the seat to access the batteries, make sure any wire or metal items (including seat belt latches, if equipped) remain clear of the battery compartment to avoid causing a short circuit to the electrical system.

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 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.
NOTICE
Do not allow cleaning solution or tap water to enter the batteries. Before cleaning, make sure all battery fill well caps are installed securely.

Battery Disposal

Return to an appropriate battery recycling facility. For neutralized spills, place residue in acid- resistant containers with absorbent material, sand or earth and dispose of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations for acid and lead compounds. Contact local and/or state environmental officials regarding disposal information. You can also contact GEM Customer Service for information.

Battery Fluid (Conventional Batteries)

  • A poorly maintained battery will deteriorate rapidly. Check the battery fluid level often. Add only distilled water. Tap water contains minerals that are harmful to a battery.

  • Unless the plates are exposed before charging, distilled water should be added to a battery after charging. If the plates are exposed, add water to about 1/8 in (3 mm) above the plates, then charge. Check the fluid level again after charging. Maintain the fluid level 1/4 in (6 mm) below the bottom of the fill well in the cell cover . Do not overfill.
  • If your vehicle is equipped with a battery watering system, please refer to watering system instruction manual for proper use

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