Table of contents: General information ↓ Care and maintenance ↓ Purchasing a new battery ↓ Charging the battery ↓
General information
Caution: Performing battery inspection and maintenance procedures requires certain special precautions. Remember that the hydrogen released by the electrolyte is a highly explosive gas. Do not smoke or bring an open flame or lit cigarette near the work area. Remember that the electrolyte is diluted sulfuric acid, which can cause severe chemical burns if it comes into contact with the eyes or exposed skin. Electrolyte can also easily damage clothing fabric and the paintwork of body panels!
Note: Models with the Startstop system are equipped with a special type of battery that allows the battery control unit to control the current level to restart the engine. These batteries can only be replaced with batteries of the same type.
1. The 12-volt battery, mounted under the driver's seat, consists of six cans filled with a sulfuric acid solution, in which the positive and negative plates are placed. The main task of the battery is to generate the current necessary to start the engine, as well as to operate on-board and auxiliary power consumers (for example, lighting fixtures).
2. The main characteristics of the battery are voltage, capacity and starting current.
3. The on-board power supply system of the models considered in this Manual uses a battery with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
4. Starting current (cold cranking current) is the maximum current that a battery can deliver for 10 seconds at -18°C without the voltage dropping below 7.5 V (minimum level required for reliable engine starting). A battery with a high starting current can provide operation of a more powerful starter at its maximum output.
5. Battery capacity characterizes its ability to deliver a certain current for a given time at a temperature of 25°C up to a voltage of 10.5 V and is equal to the product of the current in amperes and the time in hours (Ah). For example, a battery with a capacity of 40 Ah is capable of delivering a current of 1 A for 40 hours (or at 2 A for 20 hours, etc.).
Note: Keep in mind that battery capacity also decreases as the temperature drops, and at -18°C it can drop by up to 40%. Furthermore, starting the engine requires more torque.
Care and maintenance
Caution: Before disconnecting the battery, make sure you have the security code to activate the audio system (on models with the corresponding configuration)!
6. The procedures for removing and installing the battery are described in Section 11.
7. If a rubber cap is used to protect the positive battery terminal, try to regularly check its condition and the reliability of its fixation. The cover must completely cover the terminal connection.
8. Periodically inspect the battery case for cracks and other mechanical damage.
9. Make sure that the terminal clamps are tightened securely. Inspect the cables along their entire length, checking for cracks/abrasions in the insulation and damage.
10. If traces of corrosion development are detected (loose white coating) at the terminals, disconnect both wires from the battery and clean the terminals and clamps with a wire brush. Corrosion can be minimized by installing specially treated felt washers. Treating contact surfaces with acid-free petroleum jelly is equally effective.
11. Remember to check the condition of the battery tray from time to time. Periodically check the tightness of the clamping bar fasteners. Traces of corrosion can be removed from the oil pan, battery housing, and surrounding body surfaces using a solution of baking soda and water. Apply the prepared mixture to the affected area with a small brush, wait a few minutes, and then rinse it off with plenty of clean water.
12. Corroded body parts should be coated with a zinc-based primer before restoring the paintwork.
13. Before installing the battery on the tray, make sure that no foreign objects are left on the surface of the latter. Do not overtighten the terminal clamps.
14. Modern batteries are usually equipped with a built-in charge level indicator, the viewing window of which is located on the upper surface of the battery casing. A green indicator spot in the center of the viewing window indicates that the battery charge level is normal. The darkening of the spot warns the owner of the need to recharge the battery. If the indicator spot becomes discolored or changes color to yellow, the battery must be replaced, after first checking the charging system.
15. On batteries equipped with caps that require maintenance, check the density of the electrolyte from time to time using a hydrometer:
- At 100% charge, the electrolyte density is 1.28 g/cm³, and the voltage is 12.7 V;
- At 60% charge, the electrolyte density is 1.21 g/cm³, and the voltage is 12.3 V;
- At 40% charge, the electrolyte density is 1.18 g/cm³, and the voltage is -12.1 V;
- At 0% charge, the electrolyte density is 1.10 g/cm³, and the voltage is 11.7 V.
Purchasing a new battery
16. According to its operating characteristics (voltage, starting current and capacity - see above) the purchased battery must fully comply with the requirements specified in the vehicle's operating instructions.
17. The price of a battery is almost directly proportional to its capacity. Purchasing a battery with a smaller capacity is hardly a good way to save money, as it will last significantly less and, moreover, may cause difficulty starting the engine in winter. If the standard battery does not provide the required engine cranking intensity, it would be better to first change the engine oil, which will most likely lead to automatic elimination of the problem.
Note: When purchasing, it is advisable to estimate the battery capacity using a load fork.
18. To avoid purchasing a second-grade battery, pay attention to its markings. The country of manufacture and the manufacturing plant are always indicated on the case of a high-quality battery (it's better if it has an address), in addition, the production date must be indicated, which is especially important for sealed batteries (unattended) type. The delivery package must include a technical data sheet.
Charging the battery
19. The models discussed in this Manual are equipped as standard with a maintenance-free battery. If battery capacity decreases due to plate sulfation, charging should be done over a long period of time at a low current, up to 500 mA. Under normal conditions, charging at a higher current for two hours is sufficient. In any case, follow the charger manufacturer's instructions.
20. For normal charging, connect the charger wires to the battery terminals in the engine compartment (see Figure 12 of the Introduction). However, with accelerated charging (with voltage greater than 14.8 V) the battery should be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system, and the charger wires should be connected directly to the battery terminals.