Volkswagen Polo Quiz
In the engine compartment

Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery

In this manual: In the engine compartment
Vehicle exterior — 4Vehicle interior — 8Instrument cluster — 14Before setting off — 14Opening and closing — 35Sitting correctly and safely — 46Lights and vision — 26Transporting items — 29Practical equipment — 20Starting the engine, changing gear and parking — 34Driver assist systems — 18Air conditioning system — 8At the filling station — 14In the engine compartment — 24Vehicle care and maintenance — 66Practical tips — 2In an emergency — 5Manual opening and closing — 6Vehicle toolkit — 4Hubcaps — 4Changing a wheel — 9Breakdown set — 7Fuses — 4Changing a bulb — 13Starting the engine with jump leads — 4Tow-starting and towing — 7
~2min read

Fig. 141 In the engine compartment: removing the vehicle battery cover

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older vehicle batteries. The vehicle battery is otherwise maintenance-free.

Vehicles with a start/stop system are fitted with special vehicle batteries. For technical reasons, it might not be possible to check the electrolyte level in these vehicle batteries.

In vehicles with the vehicle battery in the spare wheel well, it is not possible to check the electrolyte level without first removing vehicle parts. Seek expert assistance.

Preparations for vehicles with the battery in the engine compartment

  • Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment .
  • Open the bonnet .

Pushing the cover aside

Depending on the engine fitted to the vehicle, the vehicle battery cover may have a different design:

  • Push the tabs (thin arrows) away from the vehicle battery using a screwdriver if necessary, and push the cover to the side in the direction of the arrow (thick arrow).

Checking the electrolyte level

  • Ensure that enough light is available for you to see the colours clearly. Never use naked flames or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes) as a light source.
  • The colour display in the round window on the top side of the vehicle battery will change according to the electrolyte level (magnification).
Colour display Action
Light yellow or without colour The electrolyte level of the vehicle is too low. The vehicle battery should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if necessary.
Black The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery is correct.
Any work on the vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and electric shocks.
  • Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
  • Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When working with the battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protected from acid spillages.
  • Never tilt the vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and cause chemical burns.
  • Never open a vehicle battery.
  • If acid is splashed onto your skin or into your eye, rinse immediately for several minutes with cold water. Then consult a doctor immediately.
  • If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.

Test yourself

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