General information
Caution: Performing battery health checks and maintenance procedures requires some special precautions. Remember that the hydrogen released by the electrolyte is a highly explosive gas - do not smoke and do not approach the work site with an open flame or a lit cigarette! Remember that the electrolyte is dilute sulfuric acid, which can cause severe chemical burns if it comes in contact with the eyes or exposed areas of the body. The electrolyte can also easily damage the fabric of clothing and the paintwork of body panels!
Note: Follow the charger manufacturer's instructions when charging the battery. If charging is performed without removing the battery from the car, do not forget to disconnect the wires from it in order to eliminate the risk of damage to the electronic modules.
Note: Models with system "Startstop" equipped with a special type of battery that allows the battery control unit to control the current level to restart the engine. Such batteries may only be replaced with batteries of the same type.
1. Installed in the engine compartment, a 12-volt battery consists of six cans filled with sulfuric acid solution, in which positive and negative plates are placed. The main task of the battery is to generate the current necessary to start the engine, ensure ignition, as well as the operation of lighting devices and other on-board and auxiliary consumers of electricity.
2. The main characteristics of a battery are voltage, capacity and starting current.
3. The on-board power supply system of the models covered in this manual uses a battery with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
4. starting current (cold scroll current) is the maximum current that the battery is capable of delivering for 10 seconds at a temperature of -18°C without a voltage drop below 7.5 V (the minimum level required for a reliable engine start). A battery with a large starting current is able to ensure the operation of a more powerful starter in its maximum efficiency mode.
5. Battery capacity characterizes its ability to deliver a certain current for a given time at a temperature of 25°C to a voltage of 10.5 V and is equal to the product of current in Amperes and time in hours (Ah). For example, a 40 Ah battery is capable of delivering 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 even at -18°C it can decrease by up to 40%. In addition, more torque is required to start the engine.
Care and maintenance
Attention: Before disconnecting the battery, make sure that you have the security activation code for the audio system (on corresponding models)!
6. See Section 13 for battery removal and installation procedures.
7. If a rubber cover is used to protect the positive terminal of the battery, try to regularly check its condition and reliability of fixation. The cover must completely cover the terminal connection.
8. Periodically inspect the battery case externally, checking it for cracks and other mechanical damage.
9. Watch the reliability of tightening the terminal clamps. Inspect the cables along their entire length for cracks/frayed insulation and damage.
10. If traces of corrosion development are found (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. No less effective is the treatment of contact surfaces with acid-free petroleum jelly.
11. Remember to check the condition of the battery installation tray from time to time. Periodically check the tightness of the clamping plate fasteners. Traces of corrosion development can be removed from the pan, battery case and surrounding body surfaces with 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. Corroded body parts should be primed with a zinc-based primer before refinishing.
13. Before installing the battery on the pallet, make sure that no foreign objects are left on the surface of the latter. Do not overtighten the terminal clamps.
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 level. The dimming of the spot warns the wearer to recharge the battery. If the indicator spot becomes discolored, or its color changes to yellow, the battery must be replaced after checking the charging system.
15. On capped batteries requiring maintenance, check the electrolyte density from time to time with a hydrometer:
- at 100% charge, the density of the electrolyte is 1.28 g/cm3, and the voltage is -12.7 V;
- at a charge of 60%, the density of the electrolyte is 1.21 g/cm3, and the voltage is -12.3 V;
- at a charge of 40%, the density of the electrolyte is 1.18 g/cm3, and the voltage is -12.1 V;
- at a charge of 0%, the density of the electrolyte is 1.10 g/cm3, and the voltage is 11.7 V.
Purchasing a new battery
16. According to its performance (voltage, starting current and capacitance - see above) the purchased battery must fully comply with the requirements specified in the vehicle operating instructions.
17. The price of a battery is almost directly proportional to its capacity. Purchasing a battery with a smaller capacity can hardly be considered a good money saver, since it will last much less and, moreover, can be a source of difficulty starting the engine in the winter season. If the standard battery does not provide the required engine cranking speed, it will be more correct to start with an engine oil change, which will most likely lead to automatic correction of the problem.
Note: When purchasing, it is advisable to estimate the battery capacity using a load plug.
18. To avoid buying a second-rate battery, pay attention to its labeling. On the case of a high-quality battery, the country of origin and the manufacturing plant must be indicated (better if with address), in addition, the date of manufacture must be indicated, which is especially important for sealed batteries (unattended) type. The delivery set must include a technical passport.
Battery charge
19. The models covered in this manual are equipped as standard with a maintenance-free battery. In the event of a decrease in battery capacity due to sulfation of the plates, charging should be done for a long time - with a small current, up to 500 mA. Under normal conditions, it will be enough to charge it with a large current for two hours. In any case, follow the charger manufacturer's instructions.