Electrolyte level
Cars can be equipped with a maintenance-free battery, which does not require any maintenance during operation. Such batteries are distinguished by a flat removable or non-removable battery compartment cover. In addition, there is a corresponding sticker on the battery.
If the car is equipped with a "traditional" type battery, it is necessary to periodically check the electrolyte level and, if it is below the upper edge of the plates, replenish it by adding distilled water. The electrolyte level should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the translucent wall of the battery case (figure A:15), or between the upper edge of the plates and the lower edge of the filler neck. Do not raise the electrolyte level above the norm. It is advisable to start the engine immediately after adding distilled water so that the water mixes well with the electrolyte - this will prevent the electrolyte from freezing in cold weather.
If you need to add water to the battery frequently, you should find out the reason for this. In particular, the battery may "boil away" due to increased voltage in the charging circuit due to a faulty voltage regulator. Check the electrical system and eliminate the fault as soon as possible (see the chapter "Engine Electrical Equipment"). If you need to add electrolyte only to one of the battery compartments, carefully inspect the case for cracks that may be the cause of electrolyte leakage. If a leak is detected, eliminate its cause.
NOTE: To avoid electrolyte splashing, do not start charging the battery earlier than half an hour after adjusting the electrolyte level (except in cases where the battery is charged by the vehicle's own charging system).
General condition and charge level of the battery
It is impossible to measure the density of electrolyte in sealed maintenance-free batteries, so to assess the general condition, the battery should be removed from the car, fully charged and sent to a battery workshop for a control discharge. In addition, the battery condition can be assessed using a load fork.
A regular battery's charge level is checked by measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each compartment with a special hydrometer, which can be purchased at most auto supply stores. When checking the specific gravity, be careful not to spill acid on your skin or clothing.
Check the density in the following order:
- 1. Unscrew the battery compartment plugs or remove the cover. Lower the end of the hydrometer into the hole in one of the battery sections (figure A:15).
- 2. Slowly add electrolyte to the hydrometer until the float rises.
- 3. The division of the float scale located at the electrolyte level corresponds to the density of the electrolyte in this section. Read the hydrometer readings.
- 4. Slowly and carefully release the electrolyte back into the battery, then repeat the measurement in all other sections of the battery. A fully charged battery should have an electrolyte density of 1.275 g/cm³. A density of 1.120 g/cm³ corresponds to a completely discharged battery (see section "Technical data").
If the density is low, the battery needs to be charged and check the electrolyte density again no earlier than an hour after charging. If the density is still low, the battery needs to be replaced.
Battery terminals and wires
To ensure reliable contact, the battery terminals must be tightened well. If white residue has formed on and around the terminals, the wires should be disconnected from the battery, the terminals cleaned with a wire brush and the wires reconnected, lubricating the connection points with technical petroleum jelly. When cleaning the terminals, try not to scatter the white residue, as it can cause increased corrosion. Tighten the connections securely. In addition, check the reliability of the connection of the engine and battery ground wires to the body.
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