Checking the battery charge status (VW Golf 1)

If, despite the prescribed electrolyte level, the battery appears to be weakened, the state of charge should be checked. Information about this is provided by the density of the electrolyte. To check, you will need a special measuring device (hydrometer).



Unscrew the battery plugs.

Suck up enough battery acid with the device so that the measuring rod floats freely.

See what the density of the acid is.

The numbers mean:

• 1.28 g/cm³ - battery is fully charged
• 1.20 g/cm³ - battery is half charged
• 1.12 g/cm³ - battery is discharged

Note: If it is found that the electrolyte has a reduced density, it will be enough to additionally charge the battery. If one individual cell is discharged, the battery may be defective. Then it should be checked at a service station.