Volkswagen Golf Quiz
Electrical system, general information

Checking colour indicator, “2-colour”

In this manual: Electrical system, general information
General body repairs, exterior — 230General body repairs, interior — 279General information, paint — 133Vechile- specific paint information — 27Heating, air conditioning — 156Auxiliary heater — 58Air conditioning system with refrigerant R134a — 1297- speed dual clutch gearbox 0CW — 544- cylinder injection engine(1.4 1 direct inction. turbocharger) — 182Fuel supply system - Petrol engines — 59Running gear, axles, steering — 221Brake system — 92Wheels and Tyres guide — 12Guide for using trailers — 11Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information — 121Brake system (hybrid) — 73Electrical system — 326Communication — 65Electrical system, general information — 111
~2min read

WARNING

Danger of injury! Observe warning notices and safety regulations → Chapter!

General information about colour indicator:

The general introduction of the “2-colour” indicator took place gradually in 2009. The “2-colour” indicator does not include »green« to indicate the charge state. The colour indicator provides you with information on the electrolyte level of the battery. The battery's charge state can no longer be read off via the colour indicator. The battery test has to be used for this purpose, → Chapter Before carrying out a visual check, tap the magic eye lightly and carefully using the handle of a screwdriver. The air bubbles, which can influence the display, will dissipate when doing this. The colour display of the magic eye will therefore be more accurate. Note Air bubbles can form under the sight glass, particularly when a battery has been recharged, i.e. also when the battery has been charged during normal vehicle operation. These falsify the reading of the colour indicator. Since the colour indicator is only located in one battery cell, the indicator also only applies to this battery cell. Determining the exact condition of the battery is only possible by means of a battery test → Chapter.

The colour indicator can be located at various positions on the battery.

Three different colour displays are possible:

»Black«, electrolyte level is OK.

»Light yellow«, electrolyte level too low. The battery must be renewed.

WARNING It is not permissible to test or charge batteries whose colour indicator is light yellow. Do not slave/jump start the vehicle!

Danger of explosion when checking and charging or slave/jump starting.

These batteries must be renewed.

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Golf quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.