Note: Please also refer to the materials Chapters 5. The battery is located on the left side of the engine compartment (6 in the illustration of Section 1).
Warning: When working with batteries, certain safety precautions must be taken. Battery cans always contain highly flammable hydrogen, so do not allow open flames near the battery. Battery electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution, which causes serious injuries if it gets into the eyes or on exposed areas of the body. In addition, the acid corrodes clothing and paints. When disconnecting a battery, always disconnect the negative cable first and reconnect it last!
1. Battery maintenance is an important procedure that requires the proper tools. Before starting any maintenance procedure, always turn off the engine and all electrical equipment first, then disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. The vehicles in question may be equipped with different batteries: serviced or unserviced, and with or without a charge and electrolyte level indicator. Unserviced batteries only require checking the electrolyte level, and adjustment of its level is not provided.
3. To access the terminals and battery indicator, remove the plastic cover by pressing the latch at the front (2 on the accompanying illustration) and pulling the cover upwards. If the battery is covered by a soft casing, simply pry the casing from the wing side (1) and fold it up and to the side, after which the casing can be pulled upwards off the battery.
17.3 Removing the battery cover
4. Check the electrolyte level in each of the battery cans - it should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the battery case (see illustration 17.4a). If the marks are not visible, unscrew the plug on the battery being serviced and look inside - the electrolyte level should reach the plastic mark (1 in illustration 17.4b).
17.4a Markings on the battery case
17.4b Electrolyte level indicator plate
Note: It is not possible to check the electrolyte level on AGM adsorption batteries.
5. If the battery has an indicator (a round "eye" between the terminals), the electrolyte level and/or charge can be checked by its color. There are two types of indicators: 2-color and 3-color. A standard battery with a 2-color indicator has a designation starting with "5K0", and with a 3-color indicator - a designation starting with "1J0", "3B0" or "7N0". The designation of a spare battery always starts with "000", but ends with either "D*" (for 2-color indicator) or "A*" (for 32-color indicator), where it can mean any symbol.
6. For the 2-color indicator, black indicates normal electrolyte level, and pale yellow or discolored indicator indicates low electrolyte level (the battery should be replaced). For the 3-color indicator, green indicates normal charge, black indicator indicates low charge (less than 65%), and discolored or pale yellow indicator indicates low electrolyte level.
7. If a refillable battery is used, if necessary, bring the electrolyte level to the required value separately for each section by adding distilled water through the plugged holes.
Note: Overfilling the cells may cause electrolyte to overflow during boost charging, causing corrosion and damage to components near the battery.
8. If the positive terminal and battery cable clamp are equipped with a rubber protector, make sure it is not torn or damaged. It should completely cover the terminal.
9. The battery should be periodically inspected for damage such as cracks in the casing.
10. Check the tightening torque (6 Nm) of the clamp nuts of the wire fastening clamps on the battery terminals. Check each of the wires along its entire length for cracks, as well as abrasions of the insulation and conductive core. When connecting the wiring to the battery, put the clamps on the terminals only by hand, do not use a tool.
11. If you find any signs of corrosion, which usually appears as a loose white coating, disconnect the wires from the terminals, clean them with a wire brush and reconnect them.
12. Make sure that the battery retaining element fastener is securely tightened. If the battery was removed from the tray, make sure that there are no foreign objects on it during installation. Do not tighten the fastening clamp bolt too tightly (see Specifications).
13. After disconnecting the battery, the trip computer readings are reset and the engine may exhibit unusual dynamic characteristics for several kilometers (the engine parameters are being reconfigured). You may also need to perform the following procedures (see Chapter "Controls and operating techniques"): enter the audio system security code, initialize the electric window lifts and set the clock. Various indicator lights may also be on, which should go out after driving a short distance at a speed of 15-20 km/h. If the battery has been disconnected for a long time, the maintenance period may not be calculated or displayed correctly.
14. Further information on the battery and on starting the engine from an auxiliary power source can be found in Chapter 5 and in Introduction.