Examination
1. Disconnect both wires from the battery.
Attention! The negative wire should always be disconnected first and connected last. If the stereo system installed in the car is equipped with a security code, before disconnecting the battery, make sure that you have the correct combination to activate the equipment!
2. Check the electrolyte level in the battery (only applies to batteries equipped with removable covers that require maintenance) - the electrolyte must completely hide the lamellae, otherwise the appropriate amount of distilled water should be put into the jars. DO NOT OVERFLOW - excess electrolyte will begin to overflow over the edges of the necks when the battery is overcharged! With a hydrometer (ask at car accessories stores) measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte (see accompanying illustration). Remove the caps from the filler necks and take a sample of the electrolyte with a hydrometer one by one from each of the battery cans. Following the manufacturer's instructions, determine the specific gravity of the electrolyte from the position of the instrument's measuring float. At a normal charge level, the specific gravity of the electrolyte should be 1.270 units (green area of the measuring scale). If the density of the electrolyte is too low (red zone of the scale) battery needs to be charged (see chapter Current service). The battery output voltage should be 12.6V or slightly higher.
Note. The nominal value of the density of the electrolyte is determined depending on the ambient temperature (and is directly proportional to it) – use the temperature chart supplied by the manufacturers with the battery.
3. A more accurate check of the battery condition can be made using a universal meter (ask at car accessories stores). The device allows you to determine the ability of the battery to turn the starter and supply power to on-board consumers of electricity at increased engine loads. Connect the meter to the battery terminals (see accompanying illustration). Follow the instrument manufacturer's instructions - when the load is turned on for 15 seconds, the battery voltage must not drop below 9.6 V, otherwise the battery must be replaced.
Note. At ambient temperatures below 0°C, the minimum allowable reading is reduced to 9.1 V.
Replacement
1. Disconnect both wires from the battery.
Attention! The negative wire should always be disconnected first and connected last. If the stereo system installed in the car is equipped with a security code, before disconnecting the battery, make sure that you have the correct combination to activate the equipment!
2. Loosen the fasteners and remove the battery clamp on the pallet (see accompanying illustration).
3. Remove the battery from the tray (see accompanying illustration).
Note. Special staples with a handle are produced. The use of such a bracket greatly simplifies the procedure for removing the battery from the engine compartment.
4. Remove the pan and carefully inspect it for signs of corrosion.
5. If necessary, remove the pallet support in order to remove corrosion products from under it and to appropriately protect the metal (use zinc based primers).
6. When replacing, make sure that the replacement battery meets the requirements of your vehicle in terms of its characteristics.
7. Installation is carried out in the reverse order.