You need a densimeter to check (see illustration 9.0a), which can be purchased in specialized stores.
9.0a. Densimeter
The electrolyte temperature of the tested battery must be at least +10°C.
10. Turn off the ignition.
11. Unscrew all plugs from cells. Before this, if necessary, remove the bar of plugs.
12. Lower the densimeter into the battery cell and remove the electrolyte in such a volume that the float of the densimeter floats freely (see illustration).
9.12. Lower the densimeter into the battery cell and remove the electrolyte in such a volume that the densimeter float floats freely
The greater the specific gravity (electrolyte density), the higher the float rises. On the densimeter scale, the density of the electrolyte can be determined in specific gravity in g / ml or in degrees Baume (+°Be) (see illustration 9.12).
13. Charge the battery if the density of the filled electrolyte is low. The density of the electrolyte must be at least 1.24 g/ml.
14. Check all battery cells one by one. They should all have about the same density (maximum difference±0.04 g/ml). If the density of the electrolyte in the cells varies greatly, then a battery malfunction can be assumed.
Battery charge level | +°Be | g/ml |
Discharged | 16 | 1,12 |
half empty | 24 | 1,20 |
well charged | 30 | 1,28 |
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