Table of contents: Checking the density of the…🠇 Measuring the open circuit voltage…🠇 Checking the battery under load 🠇 Charging the battery 🠇 Charger 🠇
Checking the density of the electrolyte
The degree of electrolyte density in combination with voltage measurement data allows us to draw conclusions about the condition of the battery.
To check, you need a hydrometer, which can be purchased in specialized stores.
The temperature of the electrolyte of the battery being tested must be at least +10°C.
1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Unscrew the plugs of all the cell filler necks. Before this, if there is one, use a screwdriver to remove the bar on the battery cover.
3. Check the temperature of the electrolyte by lowering the thermometer into the battery cell and using the hydrometer to take up enough electrolyte so that the hydrometer float floats freely. The higher the specific gravity (electrolyte density), the higher the float rises. On the hydrometer scale, the density of the electrolyte can be determined in specific gravity in g/ml or in degrees Baume (+' Be).
4. Charge the battery if the electrolyte density in the cans is low. The electrolyte density should be at least 1.24 g/ml.
5. Check all the battery jars one by one. They should all have approximately the same density (maximum difference ±0.02 g/ml). If the density of the electrolyte in the cells varies greatly, then it is possible that the battery is faulty.
Measuring the open circuit voltage of the battery
Battery voltage is measured using a voltmeter connected to the battery terminals.
6. Disconnect the battery, see the relevant chapter. The battery must be disconnected from the vehicle electrical system at least two hours before the test.
7. Connect a voltmeter to the battery terminals and check the voltage.
Evaluation of the received readings
- 12.5V or higher - battery condition is good.
- 12.4 V or below - battery condition is unsatisfactory. Charge or replace the battery.
Checking the battery under load
8. Connect the voltmeter to the battery terminals. Do not disconnect the wire terminals from the terminals
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9. Start the engine and read the voltmeter readings. When starting the engine, the battery voltage should not fall below 10 volts (at an electrolyte temperature of about +20(C).
If the battery voltage drops immediately and the cells have different electrolyte densities, then we can assume that the battery is faulty.
Charging the battery
10. Remove the battery to charge it with a regular charger or a fast charger. If the battery is not removed from the car, the terminals must be disconnected from the terminals.
Warning! If you charge the battery without disconnecting the terminals, you can damage the electronic control units of the vehicle units.
The electrolyte temperature during charging must be at least +10°C.
Precautionary measures
- Do not disconnect the battery while the engine is running.
- Do not short-circuit the battery, i.e. do not connect the positive (+) and negative (-) poles together. When short-circuited, the battery heats up and may burst.
- Do not expose the battery to open flame. The electrolyte is corrosive. Do not allow it to come into contact with your eyes, clothing or skin. If necessary, wash it off with plenty of water.
- Do not unscrew the caps on ventilated batteries (modern battery models).
- Allow the battery to thaw if frozen. A charged battery freezes at about -65°C, a half-discharged battery freezes at -30°C, and a fully discharged battery freezes at about -12°C.
Charger
11. Remove the battery.
12. Check the electrolyte level before charging. It should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the battery case. If necessary, add distilled water.
13. Charge the battery only in a well-ventilated area. When charging an installed but disconnected battery, leave the car hood open.
14. Before charging, unscrew the plugs of the battery cells or remove the corresponding cover with a narrow screwdriver. Place the plugs or cover on the holes. This prevents splashing of electrolyte caused by gases formed during charging.
If the charger has an adjustable charging current, the charging current should be about 10% of the battery capacity. This means that for a 50 Ah battery, the charging current should be about 5 A. The battery charging time is about 10 hours.
15. Connect the positive pole of the battery to the positive pole and the negative pole to the negative pole of the charger.
16. Insert the charger plug into a power outlet. If necessary, turn on the charger.
17. Check the battery temperature by touch, with your palm if the battery is charged with direct current. The electrolyte temperature during charging should not exceed +55°C. If necessary, interrupt charging or reduce the charging current.
18. Charge the battery until intensive gas formation in all cells stops, and until the increase in the density of the electrolyte and the increase in voltage stop.
19. Turn off (if necessary) and disconnect the charger from the mains.
20. Let the battery sit for about 20 minutes.
21. Disconnect the charger wires from the battery terminals.
22. Check the battery charge and install it in the tray in the engine compartment.