This article contains information for model year 2019 and older Slingshot vehicles.
For battery service on model year 2020 and newer Slingshot models, see your Slingshot Dealer. Do NOT remove the battery yourself. Read 2020+ Slingshot Battery Maintenance for more information about caring for the battery.
When servicing your model year 2019 and older Slingshot, always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
Battery Access and Removal
The battery compartment (1) on these models is located on the lower-left side of the Slingshot, behind the rider compartment.
To remove the battery:
1. Remove the access panel fasteners and remove the access panel. This requires removing two plastic push darts and two T40 TORX® screws.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable (2).
3. Remove the three bolts (3) holding the battery bracket.
4. Disconnect the positive battery cable.
5. Slide the battery out.
Battery Installation
The battery is part number 4014609. Contact your authorized Slingshot Dealer to order a new battery. Using a new battery that has not been fully charged can damage the battery and result in a shorter life. It also can hinder vehicle performance.
To install the battery:
1. Make sure the battery is fully charged.
2. Slide the battery into place.
3. Connect the positive battery cable (1).
4. Replace the three bolts to secure the battery bracket.
5. Connect the negative battery cable (2).
6. Reinstall the battery access panel.
Note that improperly connecting or disconnecting battery cables can result in an explosion and cause serious injury or death. When removing the battery, always disconnect the negative (black) cable first. When reinstalling the battery, always connect the negative (black) cable last.
Battery connections should be tightened to the correct torque during installation. This will reduce voltage drop and ensure a reliable connection between the alternator and battery.
AGM Batteries
Model Year 2016 and newer Slingshot vehicles use Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) maintenance-free batteries. AGM batteries are selected for their superior vibration resistance, weight savings and high output.
Low-maintenance, sealed batteries are already filled with electrolyte and have been sealed and fully charged at the factory. If they're not fully charged before use, battery life will be significantly reduced. Never pry the sealing strip off or add any other fluid to the battery. Never add electrolyte or distilled water to a low maintenance battery. Doing so will damage the case and shorten the life of the battery.
Slingshot recommends using the BatteryMINDer® 2012 AGM 2-AMP battery charger (part number 2830438) to charge and maintain AGM batteries. If the vehicle will not be driven for more than 2 weeks, maintaining the battery with the BatteryMINDer® 2012 AGM 2-AMP charger is recommended.
Batteries that fall below 12.5 volts run the risk of sulfation, a condition whereby sulfate crystals form inside the battery and significantly reduce performance. AGM chargers are designed specifically for charging AGM type batteries and use high frequency pulses to partially reverse sulfation.
The nominal voltage for a Slingshot AGM battery is 12.8V when fully charged. The battery will self-discharge when disconnected from a vehicle, and will discharge at a faster rate when connected. If the battery voltage falls below 12.5V, it should be charged immediately using the recommended battery charger. Wait for the charger to complete the charge cycle before disconnecting it.
The use of non-AGM battery chargers or non-AGM battery tenders may result in a misleading "battery not found" or "open cell" fault message. Please ensure you are using the recommended AGM charger when charging AGM type batteries.
For added convenience, Slingshot offers the BatteryMINDer® Accessory Vehicle Power Plug (part number 2830518), which allows easy connection to the vehicle's battery through the 12-volt socket. The 12V socket located between the seats, directly above the cup holders, can be used for charging. The 12V socket located in the glove box is powered after key-on and cannot be used for charging.
AGM batteries discharged to a voltage of 3V or less may not be recognized by the recommended automatic battery charger (the minimum voltage threshold recognized by other battery chargers may be as high as 10.5V). Often times, deeply discharged batteries can be restored by attaching another, fully-charged battery to "jump start" the low battery. Follow the steps below to restore a deeply discharged battery.
1. Carefully connect the two batteries' positive terminals and then the negative terminals using jumper cables.
2. Connect the recommended battery charger to the low battery and initiate the charging sequence. Warning: Always check to ensure the positive cables are connected to the positive terminals before powering on the charger. Reversing polarity when charging can damage electrical components and risk personal injury. Be careful not to let battery cable clamps touch each other.
3. After the charging sequence has initiated, disconnect the fully-charged battery. Always disconnect the fully-charged battery positive first, followed by low battery positive, low battery negative and finally, fully-charged battery negative.
4. Proceed with charging both batteries to full capacity.
Conventional Batteries
Model Year 2015 Slingshot vehicles came factory-equipped with flooded lead-acid batteries.
Lead Acid Conventional batteries must be fully charged before use or their life will be significantly reduced.
If the battery is stored or used in a partially charged condition or with low electrolyte levels, hard crystal sulfation will form on the plates, reducing the efficiency and service life of the battery.
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.
For Model Year 2015 models with flooded batteries, the BatteryMINDer® 1510 1.5-AMP battery charger is recommended (part number 2830404). You can find parts for your vehicle through the online parts catalog.
Battery Maintenance During Storage
Whenever your Slingshot is not used for one month or longer, remove the battery from the vehicle. Ensure it is fully charged and store it out of the sun in a cool, dry place. Batteries will self-discharge more rapidly when stored in extreme temperatures. Check the battery voltage each month during storage. Recharge as needed to maintain a full charge.
Consult your Owner’s Manual for complete instructions for battery testing, maintenance and charging.
Warnings
No matter what type of battery your Slingshot is equipped with, note that improperly connecting or disconnecting battery cables can result in an explosion and cause serious death or injury. When removing the battery, always disconnect the negative (black) cable first. When reinstalling the battery, always connect the negative (black) cable last.
Also be aware that battery electrolyte is poisonous. It contains sulfuric acid, and contact with skin, eyes or clothing can result in serious burns. For external exposure, flush with water. For internal exposure, drink large quantities of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, a beaten egg or vegetable oil. Call a physician immediately. Flush eyes with water for 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention.
Always keep battery terminals and connections free of corrosion. If cleaning is necessary, remove corrosion with a terminal brush. Wash with a solution of one tablespoon baking soda and one cup water. Rinse well with tap water and dry off with clean shop towels. Coat the terminals with dielectric grease or petroleum jelly. Be careful not to allow cleaning solution or tap water into a conventional battery. Batteries will self-discharge more quickly when dirty.
Make sure battery connections are tight. This will reduce voltage drop and ensure a reliable connection between the alternator and battery. See your Owner's Manual for torque specifications.
For more information, see your authorized Slingshot Dealer. Find a dealer near you with the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.
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