Battery care
For battery maintenance information, see Chapter Ongoing care and maintenance. The following work should be done from time to time to ensure that the battery lasts longer and its capacity is maintained at maximum.
Always keep the battery and its surroundings clean. The surface of the battery must always be dry, otherwise surface leakage currents may occur between the individual cells, causing the battery to discharge itself.
The electrolyte level must always be at the ring on the underside of the filling chamber. Use distilled water to top up.
In cold weather, do not leave the battery uncharged, otherwise it will freeze. Weakly charged batteries freeze before charged ones.
Battery check
degree of charge. A hydrometer is required to check the battery state of charge. To check, remove both filler strips and insert a hydrometer into the hole. If required, the battery can be tilted slightly (of course it should be removed), to get to the electrolyte. Use a rubber bulb to collect enough electrolyte so that the float can float freely. Depending on the degree of charge, the electrolyte has a different density, which is determined by the degree of immersion of the float in the electrolyte. At 1.28 the battery is fully charged; at 1.12 the battery is completely discharged. The values in between indicate the respective state of charge. Hydrometer readings are expressed in kg / l.
Removal and installation
The battery is located in the engine compartment and is screwed to the console. Before removing, unscrew both cables from the terminals. Always unplug the ground cable first.
When installing the battery, first clean the terminals and lubricate with special grease. Connect the positive cable first.