Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level in each cell must be between the MIN·mark -1- and the MAX mark -2-. Otherwise, unscrew the plugs -3- of the battery and top up the level with distilled water.
Voltage test
The condition of the battery can be checked by measuring the voltage by connecting a voltmeter to its poles.
Disconnect battery.
Before testing, the battery must be disconnected for at least two hours.
Connect a voltmeter to the battery terminals and measure the voltage.
Conclusions based on the measurement results:
- 12.7 volts or higher - battery in good condition;
- 12.5 volts is normal;
- 12.3 volts or less - The battery is in poor condition and needs to be charged or replaced.
Connect battery.
Battery test under load
Connect a voltmeter to the battery terminals, start the engine and read the voltmeter reading.
When starting the engine, the voltage with a fully charged battery should not fall below 10 volts (at an electrolyte temperature of approximately +20°С).
If the voltage immediately drops, and besides, a different density of the electrolyte was found in the cells of the battery, then it is necessary to conclude that it is defective.
Electrolyte Density Check (does not apply to maintenance-free batteries)
The density of the electrolyte, along with the measurement of voltage, allows an accurate conclusion about the state of charge of the battery. To check, a battery densimeter with a pipette is used, which is offered at an affordable price by specialized stores. The greater the density of the electrolyte sucked by the densimeter from the battery, the more the densimeter float floats. On the scale of the densimeter, you can determine., The density of the electrolyte in g / ml or in degrees Baume (+"Ve"). Below is the state of charge of the battery according to the measured electrolyte density:
Consistently check each battery cell, all cells must have the same electrolyte density. The maximum allowable difference in electrolyte density in individual cells is 0.04 g/ml. Otherwise, it is concluded that the battery is defective.