Service
8. First of all, examine the external condition of the battery. If the positive terminal of the battery with the clip put on it is equipped with a rubber protective casing, make sure that the latter is not damaged. The cover must completely cover the metal components of the terminal connection. Check the condition and reliability of the fastening of the terminal connections, inspect the casing and battery cover for cracks and other mechanical damage. Make sure the hold-down bolts are secure. Assess the condition of the insulation of the battery wires along their entire length.
9. If there are signs of corrosion on the surface of the battery in the form of a white powdery coating (see resist. illustration), especially near the terminals, it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle for a thorough external cleaning. To remove and install the battery, refer to Chapter 5, Section 9.
10. Thoroughly clean the contact surfaces of the wire terminals and battery terminals with special brushes (see resist. illustrations) using a 10% solution of food / technical soda. With the same solution, clean the battery terminals and rinse the surface of its cover. Make sure that the solution does not get inside the jars. When cleaning, wear a protective mask/goggles and rubber gloves to prevent acid particles from getting into your eyes and hands. Also try to find appropriate clothes that you won't mind throwing away later. When finished cleaning, wipe all battery surfaces with a clean, slightly damp towel/rag soaked in baking soda solution.
11. Check up a condition of the pallet of the battery and hairpins of fastening of a clamping lath. Rinse the pan with a solution of baking soda, - treat the areas damaged by corrosion with a zinc-based primer, or special compounds designed to protect against corrosion and weaken the effect of acid.
12. Before installing the battery, make sure that no tools or materials are left on the pallet.
13. To protect the terminal connections from corrosion, it is recommended to put specially treated felt washers on the battery terminals. After connecting the wires, cover the terminal blocks with acid-free Vaseline. Remember that the negative wire is always connected last!
14. Track reliability of a tightening of fixture of clips.
Charger
15. Constant battery charging is performed by the generator current while the engine is running. In the event of a long break in the operation of the vehicle (more than 1 month), problems with the charging system, frequent engine starts under adverse conditions, or when the battery is nearing its end of life, it may be necessary to charge the battery and remove it from the vehicle.
16. Almost all maintenance-free sealed type batteries equipped with a charge level indicator (see resist. illustration). Compare the color of the indicator spot in the viewing window with the indicator status map printed on a special label pasted on the battery case. Some batteries are placed in a sealed case and are equipped with a built-in hydrometer that allows you to visually determine the battery level by the color of the color spot, the color of which is specified in the Battery Instructions for Use. Regularly check the condition of the battery, if necessary, charge in a timely manner.
Attention: During charging, highly flammable and flammable hydrogen is released in the battery banks! Do not smoke, do not approach the charging place with open flames. Wear safety goggles when approaching the battery installation site. Before connecting or disconnecting the battery to the charger. make sure the device is powered off. Charge the battery in a well ventilated area.
Note: The compilers of this Guide recommend charging the battery outside the vehicle, as the gas released during the procedure is chemically aggressive towards paintwork. Remember that quick charging without disconnecting the wires from the battery can lead to failure of the vehicle's electrical components.
17. Charge a discharged battery in accordance with the charger manufacturer's instructions, in a well-ventilated area equipped with all safety measures for working with rechargeable batteries. If the device is equipped with a selector switch, make sure that the selector switch is set to the 12 V position. In the absence of proper conditions, it is advisable to seek help from an Opel workshop.
18. During charging, all battery caps (if any) should be open. Before removing the plugs, clean the adjacent surfaces from dust and dirt, do not allow foreign particles to enter the battery banks.
Checking the electrolyte level
19. On batteries with filling holes, it is necessary to periodically, especially in the hot season, check the electrolyte level in the banks.
Attention: Do not allow the battery to operate for a long time with an insufficient electrolyte level - this can lead to overcharging of the battery, destruction of the plates and a significant reduction in its service life!
20. The electrolyte level is checked visually, through the translucent plastic case of the battery. The level in all sections of the battery must be between the MIN and MAX marks printed on the battery case.
21. If the electrolyte level is not visible through the case, check it through the filler holes of the battery sections, it should reach the lower edge of the filler sleeve or cover the internal grid of the battery bank (depending on battery design).
22. If it is necessary to adjust the electrolyte level, add the required amount of distilled water.
Note: Do not fill in too much water, excess electrolyte is removed using a special hand pump (pears).
Attention: The electrolyte is an acid solution! It must be collected in special containers and disposed of properly! If you do not have sufficient experience or relevant capabilities, leave the operation to adjust the electrolyte level to the service station specialists!
23. After completing the level adjustment, close the filler holes tightly and wipe the battery surfaces with a rag soaked in an alkaline solution.
Visitor comments