Caring for Low-Maintenance Generator Batteries
If your powersports or power equipment product is equipped with electric start, chances are it contains a low-maintenance
battery manufactured by Yuasa. These batteries require very little
maintenance, but they do require periodic charging. To get the longest
service life from your battery, keep it fully charged at all times or recharge it
each time you consume about a quarter of its capacity. Honda recommends
that you keep the battery fully charged at all times to achieve maximum
service life.
What if I seldom
use my generator?
All batteries slowly lose strength when sitting idle; this is called
self-discharge. They must be charged periodically, even when not being
used, to prevent premature failure. If a battery is allowed to discharge past a
certain point, it can never be recharged and must be replaced.
How do I know
when my battery
needs to be
charged?
Measure the voltage of the battery with a digital voltmeter. If it measures
12.4 volts or less, you need to charge the battery. Check the voltage every
three months to be sure the voltage remains above 12.4 volts.
Will the battery
recharge while my vehicle or generator is running? Yes and no. Honda generators do charge their battery while the generator is
running. Starting the engine discharges the battery somewhat, so the
generator must run for some time just to replace the charge used to start
the engine. Whether or not running the generator will keep the battery
charged depends on:
• How often you run the generator
• How long you run the generator each time
• The charge level of the battery when the generator started
• The amount of charge required to start the engine
• The ambient temperature
• The age of the battery
Unless you plan to run the generator on a regular basis, plan to use an
external charger to keep the battery charged.
Your power sports product will not typically recharge a low battery. Use of a battery charger is recommended.
How do I recharge
the battery?
You can use a commercially available
battery charger designed for 9
Ampere-hour (YTZ10S) or 11 Ampere-hour (YTZ14S) 12 volt batteries.
Follow the charger manufacturer’s instructions and the instructions on the
battery for connecting, using, and disconnecting the charger.
Honda recommends using an automatic charger/maintainer that you can
leave connected to the battery to maintain its charge during storage.
The
Battery Tender® Plus (p/n 31670-HPE-000) and the
Optimate 3+
(p/n 31670-BMS-004) automatic chargers are available from your Honda
Power Equipment dealer. Both charge the battery to the proper level and
then monitor the battery regularly to keep it fully charged.
Is any other
maintenance
required?
You should check the battery periodically to make sure the connections are
tight. Clean any dirt or corrosion from the battery and associated wiring.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Does my warranty
cover the cost of
replacing a dead
battery?
Your battery’s warranty covers manufacturing defects; that is, quality
problems from the factory. Allowing your battery to die through lack of use
or inadequate attention during storage does not constitute a manufacturing
defect. Take care of your battery to avoid an expensive, avoidable repair.