Battery Testing

GENERAL INFORMATION

State-of-charge and electrolyte level indicator of the DELCO maintenance-free battery

Explanation of symbols on the battery label

1 – When servicing the battery, observe the safety precautions set out in the owner's manual.

2 – The battery contains corrosive acid; take care that acid does not spill from the battery.

3 – Do not use open flame near the battery.

4 – Wear protective goggles when working with the battery.

5 – Keep the battery out of reach of children.

6 – When disposing of the battery, take it only to designated collection points.

7 – Do not dispose of the battery with household waste.

8 – Gases released during battery charging are explosive.

Check the electrolyte density of the battery every 3

months to determine the battery's load capacity..

The check is performed with a hydrometer. When determining electrolyte density

Take into account the battery temperature. At an electrolyte temperature below 15° C, subtract 0.007 from the measured specific gravity for every 10° below this temperature.

value 0.

007. For every 10° above 15°, add 0.

007..

The specific gravity of the battery electrolyte must be within the following limits:

	Temperature
	Above 25° C	Below 25° C
Fully charged	1,210 – 1,230	1,270 – 1,290
70% charged	1,170 – 1,190	1,230 – 1,250
Discharged	1,050 – 1,070	1,110 – 1,130

Measure the electrolyte specific gravity in each cell. A difference in specific gravity of 0.04 or more

between any two cells indicates electrolyte loss or sulphation.

plates..

If the electrolyte specific gravity differs by more than 0.04 between any two cells, the battery must be replaced. If the electrolyte specific gravity is below the required value but the same in all cells, the battery must be charged..

For maintenance-free batteries, the battery condition

can only be checked with a voltmeter. On batteries with a built-in state-of-charge indicator, the battery condition is determined by the indicator color. A green indicator means the battery is fully charged. A black indicator means the battery needs charging. A light or bright

yellow indicator means low electrolyte level in the battery.

(see Figure. State-of-charge and electrolyte level indicator of DELCO maintenance-free battery).