HELP! My husband took care of my S40.  He died Jan 2011.  Now I have to do it.

I started it a couple of times this year but haven't ridden it.  I finally got time to ride and the battery is dead - no click, no lights, etc.

I have a car battery charger (6-volt/12-volt switch).  Can I use this?  I have tried removing battery but have problems with 2 screws.  How can I charge battery without removing the battery?

Hal Kent wrote on 08/19/11 at 00:53:42:

Sorry to hear about your husband's passing.  But you should be able to get a lot of help from this forum.  I agree with Bill that you should take the battery out, add distilled water to the cells, then charge at 2 amps at least overnight.  To remove the battery, first remove the seat, then (1) unlock and remove the chrome toolbox cover, (2) find two Allen hex bolts at the bottom of the bracket which covers the battery, loosen and remove them, (3) then find the Phillips (actually JIS) screw at the top of the bracket, loosen and remove. (4) remove the left side cover, which has only one screw at its top.  (5) Using the long screwdriver from toolbox, go down through the frame to the negative battery terminal and remove the screw and terminal from the battery, (6) then go to the positive side and remove it. (7) If applicable, remove the clear drain tube from the battery. (8) You can now slide the battery out the right hand side.

Hope this helps!    :)

And good luck. Literature says that a lead acid battery gets worthless if it drops under 10V or something even ONCE. I'm a bit sceptical, but you might prepare yourself for getting a new one.

Hal Kent wrote on 08/19/11 at 00:53:42:


I am sorry to hear about your husband. If you give us an idea where you live (Without giving out your address) someone on here may be able to help you in person. I have always used a car charger on my mc batteries with no ill effects I can see. I now have a WM Schumacher trickle charger that can stay hooked up to your battery in the winter. It's about $25 now and this is a good time to install the pigtail (Hook up) while you are getting the battery out. How old is the battery? I didn't see the model of your S40. A charged battery is a plus when you want to ride and a REAL PLUS if you decide to sell. If you want to PM someone you trust on here and they can give you an idea of people who may be close enough to help. We also have ladies on here. The most active on our forum are Kimchris and babyhog. Others may want to speak up, but I have had email contact with them from time to time. I am in Northeast Mississippi and could make about an 80 mile trip to help. Again, sorry about your husband. Time doesn't heal all wounds, but it does diminish the scars.  Barry  :)