General recommendations
The car can be equipped with both a serviced and maintenance-free type of battery. As a rule, the service life of a maintenance-free battery is set by the battery manufacturer, and there is no need for frequent checking of the electrolyte level during its operation. The design of the maintenance-free battery does not allow the addition of electrolyte, so if the level drops below the acceptable level, it is necessary to replace the battery with a new one.
When choosing a new battery, you must be guided by the parameters for the battery, which the manufacturer presents specifically for your car.
Battery parameters:
- Capacitance, measured in Amp-hours (Ah). This is the amount of electricity that can be obtained from the battery when it is discharged to the set final voltage.
- Cold cranking current is the amount of current supplied by the battery to the vehicle's starter during a cold start. Measured in amps (A).
- The size of the battery case must match the dimensions of the installation site, and the mounting brackets. On the car, the battery must be securely fixed in a regular place.
The parameters of the battery, as a rule, are indicated on its case. However, different manufacturers use different standards for measuring and therefore this must be taken into account.
Examination
The standard battery for cars is ACDelco®.
- Capacity 115 Ah
- Cold start current:
- models up to 2007 - 600 A
- models since 2007 - 770 A
Recommended battery:
- Models prior to 2007: ACDelco® 78-6YR, 78-7YR
- Models since 2007: ACDelco® 48-6YR
Note: see safety precautions when working with electrical equipment:
- Do not disconnect the battery while the engine and/or accessories are running. Turn the ignition key to position "OFF" (LOCK) and turn off all additional electrical equipment.
- When checking, disconnect the negative battery cable first and reconnect it last.
- Be careful not to short the terminals with tools.
1. Visual check of a condition of the accumulator battery.
Note: If there is corrosion from the electrolyte, wash the damaged areas with a solution of clean warm water and soda, then wipe dry with a cloth. Do not allow cleaning solution to enter the battery.
A) (Non-standard battery with state-of-charge indicators) Check the status of the indicators according to the battery manufacturer's instructions. The colors indicating the state of charge of the battery for each manufacturer may differ from those shown in the figure.
- Blue: The battery is OK.
- White: Recharging required.
- Red: Insufficient electrolyte level.
b) Check battery racks and tray for corrosion damage caused by electrolyte leakage.
V) Check the battery case and cover for cracks or damage that could cause electrolyte leaks. Replace the battery if necessary.
Attention: if there are electrolyte leaks from the battery, use suitable rubber gloves when removing the battery (do not use household gloves).
G) Check the strength of the fastening of the battery terminals. If the terminal connections are loose, tighten the retainer nuts.
d) Check the terminals for damage and corrosion, clean the terminals if necessary and apply special grease to them.
Caution: Do not overtighten the terminal clamp nuts.
e) Tighten the clamp just enough to securely hold the battery in place. Overtightening can damage the battery case.
2. If necessary, check the level and density of the electrolyte in the battery (serviced).
A) Make sure the electrolyte level in the battery is between the maximum level marks (UPPER LEVEL) and minimum level (LOWER LEVEL).
Note: It is recommended to regularly check the electrolyte level depending on the operating conditions, but at least once every four weeks.
b) Using a hydrometer and a thermometer, measure the density of the electrolyte in the battery.
- Nominal value - 1.22 -1.29 g/cm3 (at 20°С)
V) The density of the electrolyte depends on the temperature, so to convert the measured value to the density at 20°C, use the following formula:
D20 = Dt + 0,0007 (t - 20),
where D20 is the reduced density of the electrolyte at 20°C;
Dt is the density actually measured;
t is the actual temperature in°C.
3. (Some types of stock batteries) Checking the electrolyte level in the standard battery.
A) Remove the center battery cover using a flathead screwdriver.
Note: The battery cell caps are firmly attached to the center cap and will come off with it when removed.
b) Make sure that the electrolyte level in each battery cell reaches the lower edge of the indicator. If necessary, add distilled water to the jar, without exceeding the indicated level.
Attention: if the electrolyte level exceeds the above, then when the car is moving, the electrolyte may leak from the battery.
V) Install the battery center cover securely.
4. Checking the battery output voltage.
A) Turn on the headlights for 15 seconds.
b) Turn off the headlights and wait 2 minutes for the battery voltage to stabilize.
V) Switch off the ignition and disconnect the wires from the battery terminals.
G) Measure the voltage at the battery terminals (open circuit voltage).
- Voltage - 12.4V or higher (at 20°С)
d) If the voltage does not correspond to the nominal value, then charge the battery, e) If necessary, load the battery with the recommended load for 15 seconds. Read the battery voltage at the terminals after 15 seconds, then remove the electrical load.
5. Charging the battery. Note: Please read the instructions for this charger before charging the battery. Carry out charging strictly according to the recommendations indicated in it.
A) When charging a battery installed in a vehicle, first disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal, and then disconnect the cable from the positive terminal to prevent damage to the vehicle's electrical components.
b) The charging current is usually 1/10 of the battery capacity.
V) In case of fast charging (due to lack of time, etc.) battery, the charging current should never exceed 70% of the battery capacity indicated in amps, and the charging time should not exceed 30 minutes.
- Charging current - 11.5 A
G) Determination of the end of charging:
- If the density of the electrolyte has reached a value of 1.25 - 1.29 g/cm3 and remains constant for an hour.
- If the voltage of each battery cell has reached 2.5 - 2.8 V and remains constant for one hour.
Attention:
- Be careful to keep an eye on the electrolyte level, which may rise during charging.
- Do not charge near sources of fire due to the risk of explosion.
- During charging, do not carry out work nearby that may cause sparks.
- Charge the battery in a well ventilated area.
- After charging is complete, close the lids of the jars, rinse the outside of the battery with clean water to remove acid residue and wipe dry.
- Do not allow the temperature of the electrolyte to rise above approximately 45°C during charging (approx. 55°C when performing fast charging).