WARNINGS:
- When the battery is low, use only a 12V booster battery to start the engine.
- Never add distilled water to the battery through the electrolyte density control hole.
Measures to prevent over-discharge
battery surface (especially from above) must always be kept clean and dry.
Wire connections to battery terminals must be clean and securely tightened.
Check the electrolyte level at every routine service.
If the car will not be operated for a long time, disconnect the ground wire from the battery.
Periodically check the density of the electrolyte.
Checking the electrolyte level
CAUTION: Avoid contact of electrolyte with skin, eyes, clothing, and painted surfaces. After handling the battery, do not touch your eyes until your hands have been thoroughly washed. If electrolyte comes into contact with skin, eyes, or clothing, immediately flush the affected area with water for 15 minutes.
The electrolyte level must be between the MIN and MAX marks. If it is necessary to top up with distilled water, unscrew the plugs of the cells with a suitable tool and bring the electrolyte level to the MAX mark.
Sulfitation
When the battery is completely discharged (reduced electrolyte density below 1.100) plate sulfitation may occur.
To determine the condition of the plates, pay attention to the change in current and voltage during the charge process. A sulfated battery is characterized by low current and high voltage at the beginning of the charge.
Electrolyte Density Check
1. Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer through a special hole on the battery case. At the same time, measure the temperature of the electrolyte.
If the electrolyte level is low, tilt the battery to make measurements easier.
2. Convert electrolyte density at given temperature to density at standard temperature 20°C.
Example: electrolyte temperature 35°C, measured density 1.230. The reduced density will be 1.240.
Battery capacity test
Test the battery with the discharge current indicated in the table. If the voltage drops below 9.6 V, replace the battery.
Battery charge
slow charge. If the reduced density of the electrolyte is less than 1.100. the battery can only be charged slowly. The initial charge current is indicated in the table.
After a 30 minute charge, check the battery voltage. If the voltage is below 12V or above 15V, replace the battery. If it lies within 12-15V, continue charging for 12 hours, then check the electrolysis density. If the density is less than 1.240, recharge the battery with the initial current for the time indicated in the table.
Then check the battery capacity (see subsection «Battery capacity test»). If the result is unsatisfactory, replace the battery.
Standard charge. If the density of the electrolyte is in the range of 1.200-1.300, both standard and accelerated charges are acceptable.
For a standard charge, determine the initial current from the table.
Charge the battery for 8 hours and then check the density of the electrolyte. If it is less than 1.240. recharge the battery with the initial current for the time indicated in the table.
Check battery capacity (see subsection «Battery capacity test»). If the result is unsatisfactory, replace the battery.
boost charge. Determine the time and initial current of the accelerated charge according to the table. Charge the battery, then check its capacity (see subsection «Battery capacity test»).
WARNINGS:
- Keep the battery away from open flames and sparks while charging.
- Switch on the charger only after connecting it to the battery to avoid sparks during connection.
- During a charge of any duration, monitor the temperature of the battery. If it exceeds 60°C, stop charging.
- Do not exceed the boost charge time to avoid damaging the battery.
Specifications
Batteries installed on European models:
