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Quick Reference Guide
Tips for Proper Maintenance and Storage of your GEM
2005 All Models - VIN 037265-038895 (last 6 numbers)
2006 Models-e2, e4, eS, eL (does not include e6 or e6S)
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BATTERY CHARGING
GEM vehicles have a battery control and recharge system especially designed for electric
vehicle usage. The charging system is designed to maximize the battery pack life while
recharging the pack in the shortest amount of time with the available household current
(110-volt, 15-amp, A/C outlet). Four of the six batteries are located under the bench
seat cushion and two are located inside the shortback and longback bed or the e2 and
e4 spat. The following guidelines will insure that you get the maximum battery life and
performance out of your GEM electric vehicle batteries.
RECHARGE VEHICLE AFTER EACH USE.
Your GEM vehicle is equipped with a battery charger that includes a feature that will
monitor the state of charge of the batteries, and will initiate a charge cycle whenever the
batteries fall to a pre-determined charge level. To enable this feature, leave the Master
Disconnect Switch in the ON positions (see item 1 below) and keep your car plugged
into a 110-volt A/C outlet (see item 4 below).
NOTE: THE BATTERIES USED IN YOUR GEM VEHICLE WILL PERFORM BETTER
WHEN KEPT FULLY CHARGED. THEREFORE, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, RECHARGE THE
BATTERIES—NO MATTER WHAT STATE OF CHARGE IS INDICATED.
1. The Master Disconnect Switch must be in the ON position for the charger to operate
and charge the batteries. The Master Disconnect Switch is located on the bottom of the
dash on the fuse panel.
2. The Battery Charger Receptacle
is located on the hood. It accepts a
standard, 3 wire, grounded extension
cord. The extension cord should not
exceed the following: 12-gauge wire 50
feet in length or 14-gauge wire 25 feet
in length.
3. Insert the proper extension cord into
the Battery Charger Receptacle.
4. Plug the extension cord into a 110-volt
A/C, 15-amp breaker outlet. A Ground
Fault Interupt protected circuit (GFI) is
recommended. TO ENSURE PROPER
Please refer to your Owner’s Manual for more detailed information regarding your vehicle.
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CHARGING, NO OTHER CARS, APPLIANCES, DOOR OPENERS, ETC. CAN BE PLUGGED
INTO THE SAME CIRCUIT.
5. A full recharge cycle can take from 8 to 12 hours (if the state of charge indicator is
indicating only one red bar).
BATTERY TIPS & STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Battery posts must be clean and tight.
2. If corroded, clean posts with a solution of one cup baking soda and one gallon
water.
3. When storing or not using your GEM for an extended period of time (two weeks or
longer) it is recommended that you first check the water level of your batteries, unless
equipped with maintenance free gel batteries, and leave the vehicle plugged in with
the Master Disconnect Switch in the ON position. The charger will monitor the state of
charge of the batteries, and will initiate a charge cycle whenever the batteries fall to a
pre-determined charge level, for up to 24 weeks.
4. The Master Disconnect switch must be in the ON position for the charger to operate
and charge the batteries.
5. If the batteries appear to be frozen, do not charge them. Contact your local authorized
GEM dealer for service.
TROJAN BATTERIES
1. The water level in these batteries needs to be maintained at no higher than the bottom
neck opening (1/2 inch above the plates) and should be checked at least monthly.
2. If the water level is below the plates, add just enough distilled water to cover the
plates, then charge and re-check the water levels.
3. If the water level is below the neck opening, but above the top of the plates, first
charge the vehicle, then re-check the levels and add distilled water to just below the
neck opening. Overfilling can cause the batteries to boil and spill acid.
4. Check all battery connections monthly to ensure that they are tight and free of
corrosion. If corrosion starts to appear, wash the tops and terminals of batteries with a
solution of one cup baking soda and one gallon water. Let terminals dry and then spray
them with anti-corrosion spray.
Please refer to your Owner’s Manual for more detailed information regarding your vehicle.
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GEL BATTERIES
There is little maintenance needed for the GEL batteries only to keep the batteries
charged and the terminals clean and tight. It is recommended that you check the battery
terminals at least once a month for corrosion. While checking the terminals, make sure
that there is a tight connection between the battery cable and the battery terminal. If
corrosion starts to appear, wash the tops and the terminals of batteries with a solution
of baking soda and water using the 1 cup/gallon ratio. Let terminals dry and then spray
them with anti-corrosion spray. If you regularly maintain the batteries, your GEM will
run more efficiently.
GEM ON-BOARD CHARGER
Your GEM contains an on-board 12-amp, 72-volt charger. There is a safety feature built
into the charger that will not allow it to engage if the batteries are overly discharged.
This safety feature is activated when the charger detects that the combined voltage of
all six batteries is 68 volts or less. If the total voltage is below 68-volts and the on-board
charger will not activate, it then becomes necessary to employ an alternate charging
method.
Alternate Charging Method (Requires a 12-volt battery charger - not included)
The alternate charging method is designed to charge each battery in the vehicle
separately, using a 12-volt battery charger. During the alternative charging method it is
not necessary to remove or unhook battery post connections. Turn the Master Disconnect
Switch to OFF position. Set 12-volt charger (same as you would use to charge any 12-
volt battery) to medium amp settings (10 to 40 amps). Charge each battery 10 - 20
minutes. Move quickly from battery to battery, as this is only a residual charge, and it
will dissipate in a short period of time.
After charging the last battery, remove 12-volt charger leads, turn on the Master
Disconnect Switch and plug the vehicle in. If the on-board charger does not recognize
the residual charge and activate, it may be necessary to repeat the alternative charge
cycle.
TIRE INFLATION
Maintaining proper tire inflation pressure is essential to safe operation of your vehicle.
Improperly inflated tires can also contribute to poor battery range and vehicle handling.
Tire inflation pressures should be checked monthly and maintained at 30 psi for 10”
tires and 32 psi for 12” tires.
Please refer to your Owner’s Manual for more detailed information regarding your vehicle.
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Windshield or Sunroof
We recommend using GEM Windshield Cleaner and Protectant to clean your windshield,
sunroof and side windows. Normal dust and dirt can also be removed using a liquid
household glass cleaner. Do not use abrasive cleaners on the windshield and sunroof,
as they will cause scratches.
NOTE: Be very careful when cleaning the acrylic windows as they can be scratched or
damaged. Do not use a cleaner with an abrasive, a combination cleaner and wax or
any solvent that contains ethyl or methyl alcohol. Also, do not use products containing
ammonia, soaps or abrasives. Never use gasoline or cleaning solvent. These products
can scratch and/or destroy the surface of the windows. To remove oil, grease or road
tar, use isopropyl alcohol, then wash the windows with water. Dry gently with a soft
cloth or chamois.
Seats and Interior
We recommend using GEM Foaming All-Surface Cleaner to clean your seats and interior
surfaces. You can use warm water and rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt.
Substances such as tar and asphalt will stain if not
removed quickly. Use a clean cloth and solvent-type
vinyl cleaner. Then wash the area thoroughly with a
damp cloth and mild liquid detergent. Finish by rinsing
with cool water.
NOTE: Do not spray the interior of your vehicle with
water. Water contact with the windshield, dash panel or
instrument panel could damage the electrical system.
Exterior
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to wash the vehicle regularly. Use mild
liquid detergents only (no strong soaps or chemical detergents) and rinse promptly.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or towel to avoid surface scratches and water
spotting. To remove haze, bring back the original shine and protect the exterior surfaces
of your vehicle, we recommend using GEM Fiberglass, Plastic and Rubber Restorer.
NOTE: To avoid spotting, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
Please refer to your Owner’s Manual for more detailed information regarding your vehicle.
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GEM Notes:
For more information contact GEM Service at 866.764.0616
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