Battery — Checking, Disconnecting, Removing and Selecting (Opel Vectra C)

Disconnecting the battery

1. When carrying out repair work, it is always recommended to disconnect the battery. In principle, if the battery needs to be disconnected without removing it from the car, it is enough to disconnect only the wire from the negative terminal, but to avoid any unforeseen accidents, it is recommended to disconnect both wires and cover the battery with a protective cover.

Caution: Always disconnect the negative wire first and connect it last!

2. The vehicle has several systems that require constant power supply. Disconnecting the battery inevitably leads to erasing the information about the optimal settings stored in the engine management system memory, disabling the clock, destroying the security code entered into the radio, etc. Before disconnecting the battery, carefully read the recommendations below:

• a) On models equipped with a single lock, do not forget to remove the key from the ignition and put it in your pocket - when the battery is connected, all doors will automatically lock;
• b) Disconnecting the battery will erase all the acquired settings from the ECM memory (except for basic settings). These parameters include: idle speed, maximum speed and self-diagnostic system error codes. If necessary, read the diagnostic data before disconnecting the battery. After connecting, all lost settings will be restored automatically, but the control system will need some time for this, during which the engine may operate unstably in various modes;
• c) If the battery is disconnected while the anti-theft alarm is on, the system will remain in the same mode after the battery is connected. The audible alarm may sound when the battery terminals are connected;
• d) On models equipped with a trip computer, disconnecting the battery will also erase all user data entered during operation of the computer;
• e) The infotainment system installed in the vehicle is equipped with a security code. Before disconnecting the battery, make sure you have the correct combination to activate the equipment. The security code is provided in the infotainment system operating manual and must be kept outside the vehicle. If the combination is lost, contact an authorized Opel service station for assistance.

Note: On models produced since 2005, the security code is recognized by the electronic system without the owner's intervention and does not need to be entered when connecting the battery;

• f) On models equipped with the ESP system, it is necessary to match the steering wheel angle sensor by turning the steering wheel once from right to left from lock to lock with the ignition on.

3. You can avoid unpleasant consequences of disconnecting the battery by using an external power source - detailed rules for using such devices are given in the operating instructions. As a rule, such power sources are connected to the cigarette lighter socket, after which the standard battery can be safely disconnected. The current generated by the source should be sufficient to power the control module memory, prevent the radio from blocking and maintain the functionality of the clock.

Warning: Some of these devices can supply the system with current sufficient for normal operation of other energy consumers. Before servicing electrical equipment components, make sure that the corresponding consumer is completely de-energized!

4. After connecting the battery, it is necessary to coordinate the electric drives of the upper sunroof window lifters (with appropriate equipment).

Buying a new battery

5. When purchasing, you must choose a new battery with the same rated voltage. 12 V, and the capacity (measured in ampere-hours (Ah)) that the replacement battery had.

6. Depending on the installed engine generator, engine starting system and the number of electrical consumers, a battery with a capacity of 55 Ah / 66 Ah / 70 Ah / 72 A can be installed on the car. The battery capacity corresponding to a specific car is indicated in the technical documentation attached to it upon sale. If during operation it is necessary to change the number of electrical consumers, for example, when installing new equipment, consult an Opel service station, they will provide detailed advice on the possibility of such changes, help select and install and carry out appropriate adjustments to the engine electrical equipment. Otherwise, if a battery with a lower than required capacity is used, this will lead to constant overcharging of the battery, evaporation of electrolyte and gradual destruction of the battery plates, as a result of which the battery life will be sharply reduced. In addition, the output capacity may be insufficient to start the engine, especially during cold starts in winter. Purchasing a battery with a larger capacity than the nominal one will not provide a gain in terms of its service life, because Constant undercharging will lead to sulphation of the plates. Using a battery with an excessively high starting current is fraught with burning out the starter winding.



7. Modern technologies make it possible to produce batteries that reliably ensure the operation of all systems with minimal maintenance work. If the operating rules are followed, the battery will serve for 4-5 years. However, it should be borne in mind that engine operation on modern cars, including the models discussed in this Manual, is controlled by electronic systems. The number of electronic equipment to ensure the convenience and comfort of the driver and passengers has also increased. All electronic equipment is very demanding of the constancy and magnitude of voltage in the electrical network. Therefore, if there is a need for frequent charging of the battery, its starting properties have deteriorated, etc., do not delay purchasing a new battery - this will save on much more expensive repairs of electronic systems.

Removal and installation the battery

Note: Please read the above instructions carefully before disconnecting the battery.

8. Turn off all electrical consumers and wait approximately 1 minute to remove internal electrical voltage on electronic circuits.

9. The battery is installed in the left front corner of the engine compartment and placed in a protective casing.





10. Open the protective cover (see accompanying illustration), remove the battery cover (when properly executed), loosen the terminal lug nut and disconnect the wire from the negative terminal.

11. If equipped, lift the positive terminal cover and disconnect the second wire from the battery.

12. Unscrew the mounting bolt (see accompanying illustration), remove the mounting bracket and remove the battery from the engine compartment.



13. If necessary, unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the battery mounting tray (see below).

14. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling the components. Before connecting the battery, it is necessary to clean its surfaces and terminals from traces of oxidation and dirt (see Chapter 1). After connecting the wires, lubricate the terminal blocks with technical petroleum jelly.

Caution: The negative cable must be connected last! Do not mix up the battery terminals when connecting the cables - this may cause serious damage to the generator and other electrical equipment! Make sure the battery is securely fastened.

15. After connecting the battery, it is necessary to coordinate the electric drives of the window lifters and the upper hatch (with appropriate equipment), as well as the steering column angle sensor (see above).

Removal and installation the battery tray

16. Remove the battery (see above).

17. On diesel models, remove the vacuum chamber (see accompanying illustration) and a control device (preheating system.



18. Disconnect from intermediate clamps and tray holders (see accompanying illustration) coolant hose and all wiring harnesses. Remove the transmission control unit with the bracket and the front battery cover.





19. Remove 3 bolts (see illustration 8.18) fasteners and remove the battery mounting tray from the engine compartment.

20. Installation is carried out in reverse order.

Checking the condition and replacing the battery cables

1. Regularly inspect the battery cables along their entire length for signs of mechanical damage, cracks and burnt insulation, as well as traces of corrosion. Do not forget that a violation of the quality of the electrical connection of the contact terminals can lead to difficulties in starting the engine, as well as a decrease in its efficiency.

2. Check the terminal clamps of the wires for cracks, signs of copper wire loss, and traces of corrosion. The presence of white powdery deposits accumulated under the insulation layer near the terminal tips indicates the development of corrosion and the need to replace the wire. Check the battery terminals and the clamps that secure the wire tips to them for signs of deformation, loose bolts, and traces of corrosion.

3. When replacing wires, follow the instructions given in Section 8. Do not forget to disconnect the negative wire even if only the positive one is being replaced. Try to remember the routing of both wires in order to follow them when installing new ones.

4. Take the wire to be replaced with you to the shop as a sample. It is extremely important that the design of the wire clamps matches the shape of the connecting terminals on the vehicle.

Note: As a rule, wires are easy to distinguish from each other by the color of the insulation, always black for the negative and red for the positive. In addition, the positive wire usually has a larger cross-section.

5. Before connecting the new wire to the battery terminal, make sure it reaches the battery terminal freely without excessive tension. Clean the battery terminals thoroughly, then lightly lubricate them with acid-free petroleum jelly.