Note. Please also refer to chapter Engine Electrical Systems. The battery is located on the left in front of the engine compartment (No. 5 in the illustration Engine compartment components).
Warning! Certain safety precautions must be taken when working on batteries. Highly flammable hydrogen is always present in battery banks, so do not allow open flames near the battery. Battery electrolyte is a solution of sulfuric acid, which can cause serious injury if splashed in the eyes or on exposed areas of the body. In addition, the acid corrodes clothes and paints. When disconnecting the battery, always disconnect the negative cable first and connect it last!
Battery care is an important procedure that requires the proper tool.
1. Before starting a maintenance procedure, always turn off the engine and disconnect all electrical appliances first, and then disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
2. The cars in question can be equipped with various batteries: serviced or maintenance-free, as well as with or without a charge and electrolyte level indicator. On maintenance-free batteries, it is only supposed to check the electrolyte level, and its level adjustment is not provided.
3. Check the electrolyte level in each of the battery cells - it should be between the marks «MIN» And «MAX» on the battery case. If the marks are not visible, unscrew the plug on the battery being serviced and look inside - the electrolyte level should reach the plastic rib. If the battery has an indicator, the electrolyte level and charge can be checked by its color. A green indicator light indicates a normal charge, a black indicator indicates a low charge, and a discolored or pale yellow indicator indicates a low electrolyte level.
4. If a serviceable battery is used, if necessary, bring the electrolyte level to the required value separately for each section by adding distilled water through plugged holes.
Note. Overfilling the jars can cause electrolyte to overflow during boost charging, causing corrosion and damage to components close to the battery.
5. If the positive terminal and battery cable tie are equipped with a rubber protector, check that it is not torn or damaged. It must completely cover the terminal.
6. You should periodically inspect the external condition of the battery for damage such as cracks in the case.
7. Check the tightness of the nuts of the battery wire clamps, providing a good electrical connection. Check each of the wires along the entire length for cracks and fraying of the insulation and conductive core.
8. When traces of corrosion are found (usually a loose white coating) disconnect the wires from the terminals, clean them with a wire brush and reconnect. Corrosion can be minimized by fitting specially treated washers, or by treating the contacts with acid-free Vaseline or a suitable lubricant.
9. Make sure the clamp bolt is securely tightened. If the battery is removed from the pallet, make sure that there are no foreign objects on it during installation. Do not tighten its mounting clamp bolt too tight - see illustration. Specifications.
10. Additional information about the battery and about starting the engine from an auxiliary power source can be found, respectively, in Chapter Engine Electrical Systems and during Administered.