Table of contents: Electrolyte level ↓ Charge ↓ Battery charging ↓ Removal and installation the battery ↓ Starting a car with a discharged… ↓
Electrolyte level
As already mentioned, the AB is maintenance-free. It is filled with a solution of sulfuric acid and distilled water. Since some of the water may evaporate, the electrolyte level should be checked periodically and, if necessary, distilled water should be added. The electrolyte level should be between the marks (2) on the AB body. To top up, unscrew the plugs on the cans and pour in distilled water until the electrolyte level becomes normal.
Charge
To check the charge, you need a density meter - a hydrometer (1). To check, unscrew the plug and insert the hydrometer tip through the rubber overflow protection. Using a rubber bulb, suck in enough electrolyte so that the float can float freely. In accordance with the degree of charge of the battery, the electrolyte has a different density, which is measured by the hydrometer. At a density of 1.28 g / cm³, the battery is fully charged, at a density of 1.12 g / cm³ - fully discharged. The intermediate value corresponds to a different degree of charge of the battery.
Battery charging
A heavily discharged battery should be filled with distilled water immediately after recharging. During charging, the electrolyte level rises and the battery may "boil". The charging current at the beginning of charging should be 10% of the battery capacity. Depending on the design of the charger, the charging current may gradually decrease automatically. The battery is considered fully charged when the electrolyte density does not change during the last two hours.
The caps of the cans should be unscrewed and freely lie on the filling holes. In this case, detonating gas may escape, formed when mixing hydrogen and oxygen. Since splashes of electrolyte may splash out during intensive charging, the space around the battery should be covered with rags, paper or something similar. If charging is carried out in a closed room, it should be well ventilated. Never use open fire near the battery being charged.
When using a special charger, you can leave the battery on the car. When using a fast charger, you need to disconnect both battery wires to avoid damaging the generator diodes, receiver, etc.
Removal and installation the battery
The battery is located in the engine compartment and is secured to the console (2), i.e. secured on one side at the bottom with a bolt (1). Before removing, disconnect both wires from the battery (3, 5), disconnecting the negative wire (3) first.
Further removal is easy.
Note: If you have a car radio with a code, you must remember the code to start the radio.
When installing the battery, first clean the poles (terminals) and lubricate them with Vaseline. Connect the positive wire first. Different wires have terminals of different sizes to avoid confusion during installation.
Starting a car with a discharged battery
The easiest way is to use auxiliary wires, which should have a large cross-section and powerful clamps to supply current from the auxiliary battery. First, connect the positive terminals of both batteries and then connect the negative terminals. On the "auxiliary" car, start the engine and let it run at medium speed so that the generator supplies additional current. Starting by towing or pushing the car are well-known methods of starting an engine with a discharged battery.