Charging the battery (VW Golf 2)

Warning: Never short-circuit the battery terminals! If they are short-circuited, the battery heats up and may burst. Do not approach the battery with an open flame. During reactions in the battery, hydrogen is released, which can explode. The electrolyte acid is very caustic, so do not allow it to come into contact with your eyes, skin, or clothing. If the acid is spilled, wash it off immediately with plenty of water.

The battery can only be charged in a well-ventilated area. When charging the battery in a car, the engine hood must be opened.

1. Disconnect the wires from the battery.

2. Before starting charging, check the electrolyte level and add distilled water if necessary.

3. Defrost a frozen battery before charging.

4. Unscrew the threaded plug from the battery and place it on the hole, due to which the gases formed during charging can escape. If the plug is not unscrewed, the battery will crack, since the air and gas removal channel in the plug may be clogged.

5. During normal charging, the charging current is approximately 10% of the battery capacity (with a capacity of 45 A/h, the charging current can be 4.5 A), the charging time is then 10 hours.

Caution: The rectifier should not be connected for more than 1 day, otherwise a lot of explosive gases will be formed and the water from the electrolyte will evaporate.

6. The positive pole of the battery must be connected to the positive pole of the rectifier, and the negative pole of the battery to the negative pole of the rectifier.

7. During the charging period, the electrolyte temperature should not exceed 55*C, otherwise it is necessary to interrupt charging (wait until the temperature drops and charge again), reduce the charging current.

8. It is necessary to charge until gas begins to be released intensively from all elements, and also until, after three measurements at intervals of 1 km/h, the mass inherent in the electrolyte changes and the voltage no longer increases.

9. It is permissible to charge the battery using fast charging equipment, however, its frequent use is not permissible.

Batteries that are discharged, have not been used for a long time, or are new should not be charged quickly.

10. After charging is complete, check the electrolyte level and top up with distilled water if necessary.

11. Check the density of the electrolyte. If the density value measured in one element is significantly lower than in the others, the battery is damaged and must be replaced.

12. Allow the gas to escape from the battery cells for approximately 20 minutes, then tighten the caps.