The battery works due to the fact that two different metals, being in an acidic solution, create a potential difference, as a result of which an electric current is generated.
1. Maintenance-free batteries are installed on cars.
2. The battery does not need to be topped up with distilled water.
3. The battery is completely sealed except for small ventilation holes in the cover.
Battery check
1. Turn off the ignition and all consumers of electrical energy.
2. Disconnect the wires from the battery terminals. The negative wire must be disconnected first and connected last.
3. Remove the battery from the vehicle.
Warning! If the battery case is damaged, remove the battery while wearing rubber gloves to protect your skin from the electrolyte.
4. Check the battery fastening elements, as they may be damaged by the electrolyte that has fallen on them. If necessary, clean them with warm soda solution.
5. Use the same solution to clean the top of the battery.
6. Inspect the battery for cracks. If there are cracks, replace the battery.
7. Clean the battery terminals.
8. Clear an internal surface of clips of the wires connected to plugs of the storage battery. Replace wires with damage, chafing and broken clips.
9. Install the battery in the car.
10. Connect the wires to the battery terminals so that the top ends of the wire clamps are flush with the ends of the battery terminals.
11. Securely tighten the wire clamps to the battery terminals.
12. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the battery terminals.
Attention! When batteries are charged, an explosive mixture of gases is released.
When working with wires and electrical appliances, it is forbidden to use fire, sparking devices, open flammable light devices and smoking. During charging, do not disconnect live wires from the battery terminals, as this may cause a spark. Keep flames away from an open battery.
Checking the Specific Gravity of Battery Electrolyte
The specific gravity of the battery electrolyte changes with temperature. An increase in temperature leads to a decrease in specific gravity and vice versa.
The specific gravity of the electrolyte of a fully charged battery should be between 1.260 and 1.280, at a temperature of 26.7°C.
The specific gravity adjustment should be made by adding 0.04 points for every 5.56°C above 26.7°C or subtracting 0.04 points for every 5.56°C below 26.7°C.
Example: Hydrometer reading -1.280 at 5.56°C. According to the temperature difference, it is necessary to correct the specific gravity by 0.028 points. The true specific gravity is 1.252.
1,280–0,028=1,252
Do not measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte immediately after topping up with distilled water.
Attention! A difference in electrolyte specific gravity of 50 points or more between battery cells indicates that the battery is defective and needs to be replaced.
Some indications for charging
Specific gravity | Charging method | |
Slow charging (5A) | fast charging (20A) | |
Less than 1,000 | 14 h | 4 h |
1,000–1,300 | 12h | 3 h |
1,300–1,600 | 10 h | 2.5 h |
1,600–1,900 | 8 h | 2.0 h |
1,900–1,220 | 6 h | 1.5 h |
Over 1,220 | 4 h | 1.0 h |
Battery Charging Safety
Conventional chargers are designed to charge 12V sealed lead acid batteries 1.2-120 Ah. Do not use it for other purposes. This may cause an explosion.
The charger is not intended for use by young children or the elderly.
Avoid danger to life and bodily injury! Do not use the charger with a damaged cable.
It must be repaired by an authorized technician.
When charging, always use safety goggles, gloves, protective clothing and protect your face - do not lean too close to the battery.
Explosion hazard! The rechargeable battery may emit explosive gases. Do not smoke or allow sparks or fire in close proximity to the battery.
Danger of explosion and fire! During charging, explosive and flammable substances such as fuels or solvents should not be kept close to the charger or battery.
Do not cover the charger while charging.
Danger of chemical burns! Battery acid is very corrosive. If acid comes into contact with your skin or eyes, immediately flush the affected area with plenty of water and seek medical attention.
Do not charge frozen batteries.
Do not charge damaged batteries.
Before charging, make sure that the power consumption is within a certain rating, otherwise the charging process may be seriously impaired.
When connecting the charger to the battery, observe the correct polarity and avoid short circuits.
Disconnect the battery from the charger when the charger is not connected to a power source. This will reduce reverse leakage.
Charging should be stopped immediately if the battery overheats or if liquid leaks are detected during the charging process.
In case of malfunction or damage, immediately disconnect the charger from the power source.
Do not use the vehicle while charging the permanently installed battery.
Charger placement
Place the charger as far away from the battery as the power cord allows.
During charging, do not place the charger directly above or below the battery. Battery gases or liquids can corrode the charger and damage it.
Do not allow battery acid to come into contact with the charger.
Charging should take place in a well-ventilated indoor area.
Battery Types and Settings
The following instructions serve as guidelines. For more precise information, you should refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
Mode - 14.4V/0.8A
This mode is usually suitable for batteries less than 14 Ah
Mode - 14.4V / 3.8A
This mode is normally used for WET, MF and most GEL batteries
Mode - 14.7V/3.8A
This mode is recommended for some AMG batteries. This mode is also suitable for charging batteries below zero.
Charger
1) Charging a battery permanently installed in a vehicle:
- A) Before connecting or disconnecting battery contacts. unplug the power cord from the power source.
- b) Check the polarity of the battery terminals. Positive ("+") the battery terminal usually has a larger diameter than the negative ("-") terminal.
- V) Locate the battery terminal connected to the undercarriage (grounding). Usually this is the negative terminal.
- d) Charging a battery with a grounded negative terminal:
- Make sure black wire 15 (pole connection) does not come into contact with the fuel supply line or battery.
- Connect red wire 14 (V) to positive ("+") battery pole and black wire 15 ("-") to the running gear of the vehicle.
- e) Charging a battery with a grounded positive terminal:
- Make sure the red wire is 14 (connection to the V pole) does not come into contact with the fuel supply line or battery.
- Connect black wire 15 ("-") to negative ("-") battery pole and red wire 14 ("+") to the running gear of the vehicle.
2) Charging a battery not connected to the vehicle:
- a) Before connecting or disconnecting battery contacts, the power cord must be disconnected from the power source.
- b) Connect red wire 14 (V) to positive ("+") battery pole and black wire 15 ("-") to negative ("-") pole.