Caution: Clean the surface of the cap only when the plugs are tightly screwed in to avoid contamination of the electrolyte.
Make sure that the corks are always tightly screwed into the necks of the jars. Check the gas outlet holes in the corks at least once every two weeks for cleanliness (if they are completed in them) or the side walls of the lid, since clogging of these holes will cause an increase in gas pressure inside the battery, which may lead to its damage.
To prevent oxidation of battery terminals and wire tips, regularly clean the terminals and tips, lubricate them with technical petroleum jelly or consistent grease. Monitor the tightness of the connection of wire tips and terminals.
Note: Instead of petroleum jelly or regular greases, it is best to use commercially available conductive copper greases to protect terminals and tips from oxidation.
Periodically check the reliability of the battery mount on the car, tighten it if necessary to avoid cracks in the monoblock.
Note: To reduce vibrations transmitted to the battery unit and to prevent damage to the paintwork in the event of electrolyte leakage from the battery, install the battery on a mat made of acid-resistant rubber.
The wires must be connected to the battery terminals with slack, since tension on the wires can cause the terminals in the cap to become loose and electrolyte to leak.
Periodically, at least once every two weeks, check the electrolyte level in the battery cells.
Note: For batteries with a common lid for all elements, equipped with a capacitor cavity, it is permissible to check the electrolyte level once every 2 months.
The electrolyte level in all elements should be 5–10 mm above the upper edge of the separators, which corresponds to the level being between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the wall of the translucent battery case.
Note: It is convenient to check the electrolyte level above the upper edge of the separators using a glass tube: lower it into the element until it stops in the separator and, closing the free end of the tube with your finger, remove it from the element.
To restore the electrolyte level, add only distilled water. If it is definitely established that the cause of the low level is splashing, then add electrolyte of the same density as the one remaining in the battery element. If the level is above the norm, pump out the electrolyte with a rubber bulb with an ebonite tip.
Warning! It is strictly forbidden to add concentrated acid to the battery!
Table 1. Parameters for checking the battery charge level
Original posted on the website opelbook.ru
| Voltage at terminals. In | 12,65 | 12,45 | 12,24 | 12,06 | 11,80 |
| Electrolyte density, g/cm³ | 1,27 | 1,23 | 1,20 | 1,17 | 1,12 |
| Degree of infection, % | 100 | 75 | 50 | 25 | 0 |
If during operation you experience difficulties starting the engine, check the state of charge of the battery by the density of the electrolyte or the voltage at its terminals in an unloaded state (Table 1).
To check the specific gravity of the electrolyte, use a hydrometer or a commercially available float indicator for the specific gravity of the electrolyte. The voltage at the battery terminals can be measured with any DC voltmeter with a measurement range of 20 V (a similar voltmeter is included in all commercially available auto testers).
If the battery charge level is 75% or lower, it must be removed from the vehicle and charged using a battery charger (see Charging the battery).
Table 2. Possible battery malfunctions, their causes and troubleshooting methods
Possible battery malfunctions, their causes and solutions | |
Cause of malfunction | Method of elimination |
The battery quickly discharges and when starting does not provide the required engine crankshaft speed by the starter | |
Long-term switching on of high-power consumers (headlights, heater, etc.) when parked with the engine not running or at low crankshaft speed | Limit the number and time of switching on electricity consumers |
Current leaks when the battery terminals are short-circuited by dirt or electrolyte on the surface of the cover | Clean the surface of the battery with a 10% solution of ammonia or soda ash |
Short circuit in the electrical circuits of the car | Identify the circuit in which the short circuit occurred. Eliminate the short circuit |
Sulfation of battery electrodes | Replace the battery |
Oxidation of battery terminals and wire ends due to poor fastening at connection points | Clean, secure and lubricate the wire ends and terminals with petroleum jelly |
Malfunction of one or more batteries | Replace the battery |
Rapid decrease in electrolyte levels | |
Damage to the battery pack | Replace the battery |
Overcharging of the battery due to increased charging voltage | Check the voltage regulator for proper operation |
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