NOTE: Do not discharge or charge the battery for at least 2 hours before testing. Charging or discharging the battery during this period will result in inaccurate measurement results.
Turn off the ignition and all electrical consumers, remove the ignition key.
Remove the negative terminal from the battery. Wait at least 2 hours. During this time, the battery must not be discharged or charged.
Measure the battery open circuit voltage using a VAG 1526 V handheld multimeter.
| Measured value | Upcoming works |
| Open circuit voltage ＞ 12.5V | Open circuit voltage is OK, check battery under load |
| Open circuit voltage ＜ 12.5V | Charging the battery |
If the open circuit voltage measurements indicate that the battery was being charged, follow the steps below.
Wait at least 2 hours. During this time, the battery cannot be discharged or charged.
Measure the battery open circuit voltage using a VAG 1526 V handheld multimeter.
If the open circuit voltage of the battery after charging is less than 12.5 V, replace the battery.
Table 7.1. Determining the battery charge level
| Open circuit voltage, V | Degree of charge, % | Battery status |
| 11,70 | 0 | Discharged, capacity at zero. Deep discharge |
| 12,20 | 50 | Sometimes hard crystals of sulphate salt can form, which can only be removed with a large amount of energy. At the same time, the active mass is strongly drawn out, which can lead to the formation of cracks and to increased corrosion of the positive grid |
| 12,35 | 65 | The battery indicator changes color from green to black. In new cars and those in storage, the battery should be charged |
| 12,70 | 100 | Full capacity |
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