ELECTROLYTE - Check density and top up, if necessary

Operation 5530B18 · BATTERY AND LEADS

- With batteries that have a "water gauge" it is possible to monitor the level of the electrolyte and the battery charge depending on the colour of this indicator:

- a bright colour indicates that the electrolyte level is too low; top up with distilled water;

- a dark colour without a green area in the middle indicates that the electrolyte level is correct, but the charge is low: recharge the battery;

- a dark colour with a green area in the middle indicates that the electrolyte level and the charge are correct: no intervention is required.

- For further details see Description and Operation 5530 - Current generation.

- The above device does not, however, offer absolute guarantees surrounding the correct measurement of the battery charge which must be checked more thoroughly in a service situation.

- Proceed as follows:

- check the no load battery voltage using the test equipment recommended by the Service Department (e.g. "MICRO 360").

- Depending on the voltage figures measured for the battery charge, proceed as follows:

See in Op. 5530B10 BATTERY - R.R.

- with the voltage below 12.10V, replace the battery

See in Op. 5530B14 BATTERY- Recharging

- with the voltage above 12.10V, but below 12.50V, recharge the battery

- with the voltage above 12.50V, the battery is working properly.

- If necessary, top up the electrolyte as follows:

- carefully remove the cap band;

- top up using distilled and deionized water, taking care not to spill the electrolyte.

The electrolyte liquid is acidic and could cause damage to eyes, hands and clothing.

A low electrolyte level often indicates a problem with the operation of the alternator, in particular the electronic voltage regulator.