Battery — Checking and Maintenance (Opel Ascona C)

1. A routine weekly battery check consists of measuring the electrolyte level in each cell and ensuring that the separator plates are covered with a 5 mm layer of electrolyte. If the electrolyte level is low, top up the battery using distilled water only.

Do not pour more than necessary. If the battery is overfilled or if any electrolyte is spilled, wipe up the spill immediately, as the electrolyte, which is dilute sulfuric acid, will immediately react and corrode most metals.

2. It is necessary to keep the battery contacts clean and lightly lubricated with Vaseline, and the entire top of the battery should be dry and clean. This helps prevent corrosion and also ensures that the battery does not become partially discharged due to leakage from moisture and dirt.

3. Every three months, remove the battery and check the condition of its tray, clamps and contacts for corrosion. It appears as a white, rough deposit, and if you find it, wash it off with water with a little ammonia or baking soda added. Treat the battery contacts with Vaseline and cover the metal surfaces with a special paint to prevent corrosion.

4. If you have to top up your battery frequently and there is no sign of a leak, the battery is probably overcharged and needs to be checked by an auto electrician. An older battery may require more frequent topping up than a new one because it accepts more charge. There is no need to worry about this as long as it is working properly.

5. With the battery removed during the three-month check, measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte using a hydrometer to determine the state of charge and electrolyte. There should not be significant deviations in measurements between individual cells, and if deviations exceed 0.025, this may be due to the following reasons:

• a) Loss of electrolyte from a battery caused by spillage or leakage, resulting in a drop in the specific gravity of the electrolyte when its deficiency was compensated for by distilled water instead of a portion of fresh electrolyte,
• b) Internal short circuit caused by plates touching or something similar, which may indicate the possibility of complete battery failure in the near future.

6. The specific gravity of the electrolyte for a fully charged and fully discharged battery at different temperature values is given below:

Completely discharged	Electrolyte temperature	Fully charged
1.098	38 C	1.268
1.102	32 C	1.272
1.106	27 C	1.276
1.110	21 C	1.280
1.114	16 C	1.284
1.118	10 C	1.288
1.122	4 C	1.292
1.126	-1.5 C	1.296

7. Most models are equipped with batteries that do not require constant topping up of electrolyte. With such a battery, there is no need to constantly top up the electrolyte, but you need to monitor the condition of the contacts and the tray and keep them clean, as described above. (see photo 3.7).



Material copied from this resource: OPELBOOK.ru



8. The meaning of the battery status indicator located on the top of the battery can be recognized by referring to Figure 12.1.



9. If the indicator is yellow without a green dot, do not try to start the car using another battery and "crocodiles"; it is also not recommended to use a fast charger. Consult your dealer, as in this case there is almost a 100% chance that your battery is not suitable for further use.