Contents: General information ⬇ Care and maintenance ⬇ Purchasing a new battery ⬇ Charging the battery ⬇
General information
Warning: Carrying out procedures for checking the condition and servicing the battery requires observing some special precautions. Remember that the hydrogen released by the electrolyte is a highly explosive gas - do not smoke or approach the work site with an open flame or a lit cigarette! Do not forget that the electrolyte is diluted sulfuric acid, which, if it gets into the eyes or on exposed areas of the body, can cause severe chemical burns. The electrolyte can also easily damage the fabric of clothing and the paintwork of body panels!
Note: When charging the battery, follow the instructions of the charger manufacturer. If charging is carried out without removing the battery from the car, do not forget to disconnect the cables from it in order to eliminate the risk of damage to the electronic modules.
Note: Models with the "Startstop" system are equipped with a special type of battery that allows the battery control unit to control the current level for restarting the engine. These batteries can only be replaced with batteries of the same type.
1. The 12-volt battery installed in the engine compartment consists of six cans filled with a sulfuric acid solution, in which the positive and negative plates are placed. The main task of the battery is to generate the current necessary to start the engine, ensure ignition, and also to operate the lighting devices and other on-board and auxiliary consumers of electricity.
2. The main characteristics of the battery are voltage, capacity and starting current.
3. The on-board power supply system of the models considered in this Manual uses a battery with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
4. Starting current (cold cranking current) is the maximum current that a battery can deliver for 10 seconds at -18°C without the voltage dropping below 7.5 V (minimum level required to start the engine reliably). A battery with a high starting current can provide operation of a more powerful starter at its maximum output.
5. Battery capacity characterizes its ability to deliver a certain current for a given time at a temperature of 25°C up to a voltage of 10.5 V and is equal to the product of the current in Amperes and the time in hours (Ah). For example, a battery with a capacity of 40 Ah is capable of delivering a current of 1 A for 40 hours (or 2 A for 20 hours, etc.).
Note: It should not be forgotten that as the temperature drops, the battery capacity also decreases, and at -18°C it can decrease by up to 40%. In addition, more torque is required to start the engine.
Care and maintenance
Caution: Before disconnecting the battery, make sure you have the security code to activate the audio system (on models with the corresponding configuration)!
6. For a description of the battery removal and installation procedures, see Section 13.
7. If a rubber cap is used to protect the positive battery terminal, try to regularly check its condition and secure fit. The cap must completely cover the terminal connection.
8. Periodically inspect the battery case externally, checking it for cracks and other mechanical damage.
9. Ensure that the terminal clamps are tightened securely. Inspect the cables along their entire length, checking for cracks/abrasions in the insulation and damage.
10. If traces of corrosion development are detected (loose white coating) at the terminals, disconnect both wires from the battery and clean the terminals and clamps with a wire brush. The development of corrosion can be minimized by installing specially treated felt washers. Treating the contact surfaces with acid-free petroleum jelly is also effective.
11. Do not forget to check the condition of the battery mounting tray from time to time. Periodically check the reliability of tightening the clamping bar fasteners. Traces of corrosion development can be removed from the tray, battery housing and surrounding body surfaces using an aqueous solution of baking soda - apply the prepared mixture with a small brush to the affected area and, after waiting a few minutes, wash it off with plenty of clean water.
12. Before restoring the paintwork, corroded body parts should be coated with a zinc-based primer.
13. Before installing the battery on the tray, make sure that no foreign objects are left on the surface of the latter. Do not tighten the terminal clamps with excessive force.
14. Modern batteries are usually equipped with a built-in charge level indicator, the viewing window of which is located on the upper plane of the battery casing. The green color of the indicator spot in the center of the viewing window indicates a normal battery charge level. Darkening of the spot warns the owner of the need to recharge the battery. If the indicator spot becomes discolored or changes color to yellow, the battery must be replaced, after first checking the serviceability of the charging system.
15. On batteries equipped with caps that require maintenance, check the density of the electrolyte from time to time using a hydrometer:
- at 100% charge, the electrolyte density is 1.28 g/cm³, and the voltage is -12.7 V;
- at 60% charge, the electrolyte density is 1.21 g/cm³, and the voltage is -12.3 V;
- at 40% charge, the electrolyte density is 1.18 g/cm³, and the voltage is -12.1 V;
- at 0% charge, the electrolyte density is 1.10 g/cm³, and the voltage is 11.7 V.
Purchasing a new battery
16. According to its working characteristics (voltage, starting current and capacity - see above) the purchased battery must fully comply with the requirements specified in the vehicle's operating instructions.
17. The price of a battery is almost directly proportional to its capacity. Buying a battery with a smaller capacity can hardly be considered a good saving of money, since it will serve much less and, in addition, may be a source of difficulties in starting the engine in the winter. If a standard battery does not provide the required intensity of engine cranking, it would be better to first change the engine oil, which will most likely lead to automatic elimination of the problem.
Note: When purchasing, it is advisable to evaluate the battery capacity using a load fork.
18. To avoid buying a second-rate battery, pay attention to its markings. The country of manufacture and the manufacturer's plant are always indicated on the case of a quality battery (better if with address), in addition, the production date must be indicated, which is especially important for sealed batteries (unattended) type. The delivery set must necessarily include a technical passport.
Charging the battery
19. The models discussed in this Manual are equipped with a maintenance-free battery as standard. If the battery capacity decreases due to sulfation of the plates, charging should be done over a long period of time - with a small current, up to 500 mA. Under normal conditions, it will be sufficient to charge it with a large current for two hours. In any case, follow the instructions of the charger manufacturer.