Standard and low maintenance batteries
1. If the car is rarely used, it is necessary to check the density of the electrolyte every three months to determine the state of charge of the battery. Use a hydrometer to measure and compare the results with those given in the table. Please note that measurements are based on an electrolyte temperature of 15°C. For every 10°C below this temperature, subtract 0.007 from the tabular results. For every 10°C above 15°C, add 0.007 density.
Air temperature +25°C
Below | Higher | |
charged | 1.270...1.290 | 1.210...1.230 |
70% charge | 1.230...1.250 | 1.170...1.190 |
Discharged | 1.110...1.130 | 1.050...1.070 |
2. If the condition of the battery is suspicious, first check the paid electrolyte in all banks. A difference of 0.040 or more between banks indicates a lack of electrolyte or destruction of the plates.
3. If the difference in density between banks exceeds 0.040, the battery should be replaced. If the electrolyte density is satisfactory, but the battery is discharged, it should be recharged as described later in this chapter.
Maintenance free batteries
4. If a maintenance-free sealed battery is installed, electrolyte replenishment and checking of its density is not possible. Therefore, the condition of the battery can only be checked with a load plug or voltmeter.
5. Certain models may be equipped with batteries with built-in charge indicators. The indicator is located at the top of the battery and the state of charge is determined by the color of the indicator. If the indicator is green, the battery is charged; if the color darkens to black, the battery needs to be charged as described below. If the indicator is yellow, the electrolyte level is low and the battery needs to be replaced. Do not attempt to charge, load or start the vehicle with a foreign battery if the indicator is yellow.
6. If you are using a voltmeter to test, compare the results with those given in Specifications. The results will be valid if the battery has not been charged for the previous six hours. If not, turn on the headlights for 3D seconds, then wait five minutes. When measuring voltage, all doors must be closed and all current consumers must be turned off.
7. If the measured voltage is less than 12.2 volts, then the battery is low. A voltage of 12.2... 12.4 volts indicates a half-charged battery.
8. If you need to charge the battery, you need to remove it from the car (paragraph 4) and charge as described later in this chapter.
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