Content Source: 2020 GEM em1400 LSV Owner’s Manual (9931124-EN R01) > Features and Controls 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

This vehicle is equipped with eight 6-volt batteries that supply the power needed to operate the vehicle. The batteries are located under the seat. See Battery Access for battery access instructions.
Always observe all battery safety warnings and safe handling procedures as outlined on vehicle safety labels and in this manual. Refer to the battery maintenance section beginning on Battery Inspections/Maintenance.

Battery Handling Precautions

  • Always make sure that all electrical accessories are grounded directly to the negative (-) post on the terminal board. Never use the chassis or body as a ground connection.
  • Always keep battery terminals and connections clean and free of corrosion at all times. See Battery Cleaning.
  • Always maintain a full charge on the batteries. For best battery life, avoid discharging the batteries more than 80%.
  • Make sure new batteries are fully charged before using.
  • New deep cycle batteries need to be cycled several times before reaching full capacity (20-50 cycles, depending on type). Capacity will be limited during this time.
  • Make sure vent caps are installed properly and securely during vehicle operation and battery charging.
  • Recharge batteries fully at the end of each day the vehicle is operated, allowing adequate time for the charger to complete its charge cycle. The batteries in this vehicle do not have a “memory effect”. Frequent charging will extend their life.
  • Avoid charging at temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C) ambient air temperature. Closed, unvented storage buildings often exceed this temperature when exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Never connect a 12-volt accessory directly to the batteries. Always connect any powered accessory to a 12-volt auxiliary outlet or terminal board.
  • Never connect jumper cables to any of the batteries of this vehicle.
  • Use only insulated tools when working in the battery compartment.

Battery Conditioning

New batteries cannot initially hold all of their capacity. The approximate capacity of the battery pack increases as the number of charge cycles increases.

# of Charge Cycles:

New

15

30

45

Percent of Full Capacity:

80%

90%

95%

100%

Ambient Temperature Implications on Batteries

  1. Battery range decreases as ambient temperature decreases. Extreme cold can have a significant impact to range. Use of a heater accessory will further reduce range.
  2. Batteries discharge when left uncharged. They can discharge up to 13% per month (higher rates in warmer climates) with the key off and much faster if the key is left on.
  3. Batteries can freeze if left uncharged at low ambient temperatures.

Percent Charged:

100%

50%

0%

Approximate Freezing Point:

-60 °F

(-51 °C)

0 °F

(-18 °C)

25 °F

(-4 °C)

Battery Operation Range

Range is significantly affected by tire pressure, alignment, terrain and driving style. Always maintain proper tire pressure as specified on safety labels.

Charger Operation

Open the hood and any door enclosures or zippers. This will decrease charger temperature, which allows it to operate more efficiently, and shorten charge times. See Battery Charging for charging procedures. The battery charge receptacle is located on the left side panel below the driver’s seat.

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  1. Always use extension cords with the appropriate ratings for the country in which it is used. In North America this is a UL rating. The cords must also be rated for the conditions in which they are used, such as being rated for protection from oil in a garage or workshop environment.
  2. Use the proper cord wire gauges for the cord length used:

Length

< 25 ft (7.5 m)

< 50 ft (15 m)

< 100 ft (30 m)

Gauge:

14 AWG (1.5mm2)

12 AWG (2.5mm2)

10 AWG (6.0mm2)

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