Charging the battery (Opel Astra J)

After removing the battery from the vehicle, carefully clean it, especially the upper part, and check the electrolyte level (see Battery Care) and, if necessary, bring it up to standard (if the vehicle is equipped with a serviceable battery).

The battery is charged with the plugs removed with a current of 10% of the nominal value of the battery current. A battery with a capacity of 60 Ah is charged with a current of 6.0 A. Charging is carried out until abundant gas evolution begins and a constant voltage and electrolyte density are achieved for 3 hours. The density of the electrolyte of a battery charged at 25°C must correspond to the data in Table 1 for each climatic region.

Table 1. Electrolyte density at 25-27°C g/cm³

Electrolyte density at 25°C, g/cm³	Freezing point,°C	Electrolyte density at 25°C, g/cm³	Freezing point,°C
1,09	-7	1,22	-40
1,1	-8	1,23	-42
1,11	-9	1,24	-50
1,12	-10	1,25	-54
1,13	-12	1,26	-58
1,14	-14	1,27	-68
1,15	-16	1,28	-74
1,16	-18	1,29	-68
1,17	-20	1,3	-66
1,18	-22	1,31	-64
1,19	-25	1,32	-57
1,2	-28	1,33	-54
1,21	-34	1,4	-37

When charging the battery, periodically check the electrolyte temperature and do not allow it to rise above +40°C. If the temperature reaches +40°C, reduce the charging current by half or interrupt charging and cool the battery to +27°C.

Charging is stopped when abundant gas emission begins in all battery elements, and the voltage and density of the electrolyte recorded during the last three measurements (carried out an hour after disconnecting the battery), will remain constant.



If at the end of charging the density of the electrolyte (determined taking into account the temperature correction) differs from the value specified in Table 1, then correct it.

If the density is high, remove some of the electrolyte and add distilled water. If the electrolyte density is below the norm, remove it from the element and add high-density electrolyte (1.4 g/cm³).

After adjusting the electrolyte density, continue charging the battery for another 30 minutes to mix the electrolyte. Then disconnect the battery and measure the electrolyte level in all cells after 30 minutes. If the electrolyte level is below the norm, add electrolyte whose density corresponds to the given climatic region (see table 1). If the electrolyte level is above normal, remove the excess with a rubber bulb.