The electrolyte, which is a mixture of sulfuric acid and distilled water, can lose water at high temperatures or if the voltage regulator fails. Water loss can also occur due to battery self-discharge (for example, during a long idle) or deep discharge due to a powerful current consumer that is not turned off. In this case, add distilled water. Tap water, like boiled water, contains conductive salts and other minerals that can damage batteries.
1. During any work with the battery, observe the warnings that are accompanied by pictograms: «Watch out, acid!», «Put on safety goggles!», «Open flames are prohibited!», «Beware of explosive gas!». When disposing of the battery, you must follow the rules for handling batteries and sulfuric acid.
On the side of the battery there are marks to control the electrolyte level.
2. The electrolyte must reach at least the minimum mark (the electrolyte must cover the top edges of the plates). The level of electrolysis must be maintained in such a way that it reaches the maximum mark. Control is greatly facilitated in batteries with «magic eye» (see picture). The viewing window indicates the unsatisfactory condition of the battery: low electrolyte level or low battery. The display may be distorted due to air bubbles. Lightly tap on the eye! When the battery condition is normal, the indication is green. In the event that a yellow indicator is visible, or there is no color, it is necessary to add distilled water, as this means that a critical electrolyte level has been reached. When the indicator is black, the battery needs to be recharged or recharged.
If the service life of the battery exceeds five years, and there is no color in the magic eye, then the battery must be replaced with a new one.
Magic peephole (arrow) in the battery informs about the level of electrolyte and the degree of charge of the battery
3. If the electrolyte level is low, remove the film over the plugs and unscrew the plugs. When topping up with distilled water, Audi recommends using the filling tool VAS 5045.
Filling device VAS 5045 for topping up with distilled water (recommended by Audi). The filling fitting prevents overfilling of the battery and pouring out of the electrolyte.
4. If the battery is charged, fill with distilled water up to the maximum mark (15 mm above the top edges of the plates).
5. If the battery is severely discharged, fill in enough water so that the electrolyte only covers the plates. When charging, the electrolyte level rises significantly. After charging the battery, add water to the upper mark. If the cell plates are not completely covered with electrolyte, then the plates and jumpers are subject to corrosion. This harms the battery, it may become unusable.
Densimeter with a pipette for suctioning excess electrolyte from the battery
6. However, the battery must not be overfilled, otherwise the electrolyte will begin to escape through plugs or the side vent. This leads to the formation of corrosion and acid crystals on the surface of the battery and parts located in the engine compartment. For this reason, excess electrolyte should be aspirated using a densimeter with a pipette.
7. Suck off the electrolyte until the electrolyte level reaches the plastic jumper or the maximum mark. Screw in the plugs.
Contact care
1. Remove oxide crystals on the battery terminals with warm soda water or a special Neutralon product (manufactured by Varta).
2. Recently, Audi requires that the battery poles are not lubricated.
3. To prevent damage, the pole clamps must be connected manually and without the use of force. The tightening torque for the pole clamps is 6 Nm.
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