When the battery terminals are disconnected, the data on the recorded faults in the memory blocks of the control devices are erased, therefore, before disconnecting the terminals, it is recommended to contact a specialized workshop to recall the faults recorded in the memory. After connecting the battery terminal, it is necessary to activate and reprogram the power windows, as well as the position of the rear-view mirrors and seats.
If your car has a radio with a code, before disconnecting the battery terminals, check if you have the code to reactivate the receiver. Otherwise, the radio can only be put into operation in a specialist workshop.
A new battery must be equipped with an exhaust system for gases generated during battery operation.
Battery Care Rules
To maintain high performance of the battery for a long time, it is necessary:
- when the engine is not running, turn off all electrical appliances in the car;
- disconnect the wire from the negative terminal of the battery;
- every 15-20 days (after 2500 km of run) clean the battery from dirt in order to avoid its self-discharge. For the same purpose, it is necessary to eliminate electrolyte streaks and isolate the mounting frame from the body;
- The battery must be securely fastened to the vehicle. Make sure that the wire ends are firmly fixed to the battery terminals, otherwise an explosion is possible;
- the battery can continuously work in «starter» mode no more than 15 s; the break between cycles should be at least 60 s;
- periodically check the voltage generated by the generator with a voltmeter. Readings must be taken directly at the battery terminals with the engine running and warm. The voltage value should be in the range of 13.8–14.5 V;
- on serviced batteries, it is advisable to check the level and density of the electrolyte every 3000 km. The electrolyte level is checked by a special mark on transparent cases or using a special glass tube in opaque cases. The electrolyte should cover the upper edge of the plates by 10–15 mm. The density of the electrolyte is checked with a hydrometer. If the density is below 1.23 g/cm3 in winter and 1.19 g/cm3 in summer, recharging is necessary; even if the alternator and voltage regulator are good and the electrolyte level is in Normally, recharging with a charger is necessary once a month in winter and every six months at other times of the year; a battery filled with electrolyte can only be stored fully charged, while the density of the electrolyte must be checked once a month.
Helpful Hints
The battery is charged with a current, the strength of which is 0.1 of the rated capacity. For example, a battery with a capacity of 50 A / h must be charged with a current of 5 A with the filler plugs unscrewed. Do not fill the battery with an electrolyte with a density of more than 1.28 g/cm3. Trying to increase the starting current in this way, you can disable the battery in a short period of time. For the same reason, it is possible to bring the electrolyte level to normal only with distilled water. In an opaque serviceable battery, the electrolyte level can be measured using a hollow glass tube, covering one end with a finger. In taken «sample» the height of the liquid column inside the tube will correspond to the height of the excess of the electrolyte level above the upper edge of the plates. You can remove electrolyte streaks or neutralize the effect of electrolyte on surrounding objects with a 10% solution of ammonia or soda. Do not operate a discharged battery, especially in winter. A discharged battery contains too much water in the electrolyte, it can freeze and damage the battery case. Do not attempt to charge a frozen battery with high current or start the car from an external source. Allow the battery to thaw, and then try to restore its function by charging with a small current. Such a battery can still serve. A crack in the bank of a serviceable battery does not always require its replacement. Pour out the electrolyte, dry, wash the crack with gasoline and file it. Mix sawdust formed when cutting a crack with epoxy glue or putty. Carefully cover the crack with the resulting composition. After such a procedure, fill in the electrolyte no earlier than 24 hours later.
Battery check
Check the density of the electrolyte in the battery every 3 months.
The test is carried out with a hydrometer. When determining the density of an electrolyte, its temperature must be taken into account. At an electrolyte temperature below 15°C, for every 10°C below this temperature, a value of 0.007 is subtracted from the measured density; over 15°C – add 0.007.
The density of the electrolyte in the battery must be within the following limits:
Temperature,°C | ||
above 25 | below 25 | |
Fully charged | 1,210–1,230 | 1,270–1,290 |
70% charged | 1,170–1,190 | 1,230–1,250 |
Discharged | 1,050–1,070 | 1,110–1,130 |
Measure the density of the electrolyte in each jar. A density difference of 0.04 or greater between any two banks indicates electrolyte loss or plate sulfation.
If the density of the electrolyte between any two banks differs by more than 0.04, the battery must be replaced. If the density of the electrolyte is lower than required, but the same in all banks, the battery must be charged.
The performance of a maintenance-free battery can only be checked with a voltmeter. The state of charge of the battery with a built-in indicator is determined by the color of the indicator. The green color of the indicator corresponds to a full charge, black indicates the need for charging, blue indicates a low level of electrolyte in the battery.
Charging the battery
Remove the battery from the vehicle before charging.
Use a charger or charger to charge. Charge the battery with a current equal to 0.1 of the battery capacity until the density of the electrolyte increases within 4 hours.
It is not recommended to use a high current to quickly charge the battery, as in this case the battery plates may warp due to overheating.
During battery charging, the temperature of the electrolyte should not exceed 37.8°C.
Removing the battery
Pic. 18–11. Battery fastening and connection elements: 1 - negative terminal; 2 - positive terminal; 3 – a bolt of fastening of an arm; 4 - gas outlet hose
Switch off the ignition. Remove the right side decorative panel and trunk floor panel. Disconnect the battery ground strap located in the floor panel. Remove the negative terminal 1 from the battery and move it to the side (pic. 18–11).
Disconnect from the storage battery a hose 4 for removal of gases.
Turn away a bolt 3 and remove an arm of fastening of the rechargeable battery.
Remove the battery from the vehicle.
Installation
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following.
When installing, do not pinch the hose designed to remove gases released during battery operation. There is a valve in the exhaust pipe that protects the battery from backfire.
Fasten the battery with the bracket and screw in the bolt of its fastening, tightening with a torque of 20 Nm.
Check that the battery is securely fastened, otherwise the battery life may be shortened.
Connect the positive terminal to the battery first, then the negative terminal and secure the terminals by tightening the fastening nuts to a torque of 5 Nm.
Turn on the radio and enter the code into it.
Raise the windows with the power windows up to the stop. Then press all power window switches again for at least 1 second to the closed position to activate the power window control unit.
Set the time on the clock.
Charging system
If the battery charge warning lamp does not light when the ignition is turned on, check the reliability of the wire connection to the generator, the serviceability of the warning lamp and the integrity of its circuit. If the lamp still does not light, check the electrical circuit from the generator to the lamp. If all electrical circuits correct means defective generator and should be replaced or repaired.
If the battery charge warning light comes on while the engine is running, stop the engine and check the condition and tension of the alternator drive belt and the wiring to the alternator.
The voltage regulator can be checked as follows.
Connect a voltmeter to the battery and start the engine.
Increase the speed until the voltmeter reading stabilizes, which should show 12-13 V, but not more than 14 V.
Turn on the maximum number of electricity consumers (lights, rear window defogger, heater fan). In this case, the voltage generated by the generator with a voltage regulator should be 13–14 V.
If the voltage does not match these values, worn alternator brushes, weak brush springs, a faulty voltage regulator or diode, a broken stator winding, or defective rotor slip rings may be the cause of the malfunction.
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