Volkswagen Golf / Golf GTI / Jetta. Manual — part 1068

27-15

Electrolyte level too high

Special tools and auxiliary items
needed

WARNING!

Commercially available

hydrometer

Refer to Warnings and Safety
Measures

Page 27-4

.

If electrolyte level is too high,
electrolyte (sulfuric acid/water
mixture) may leak out and
damage the surrounding area,
i.e.: plenum and engine
compartment.

Excess electrolyte MUST be
extracted using a hydrometer

Dispose of electrolyte (sulfuric
acid) properly! Waste
electrolyte must only be
disposed of in appropriate
waste disposal sites. Refer to
local regulations pertaining to
electrolyte disposal.

- Remove cell caps from cells with

excess electrolyte.

CAUTION!

Use use of genuine VW battery
cell caps ensures the different
battery cover systems are sealed
correctly. Only use genuine cell
caps of the same construction if
lost or damaged. All cell caps
must be equipped with an O-ring
seal.

- Extract excess electrolyte using

hydrometer until electrolyte level
is lowered to internal level
indicator -1- or external maximum
marking.

Battery, checking

13/2/2005

27-16

Maintenance free batteries
with charge indicator (magic
eye), checking

WARNING!

Prior to handling or servicing
batteries, read, understand and
observe the Warning and Safety
Measures for lead-acid batteries

Page 27-4

.

Identification

CAUTION!

Under no circumstances should
cover -2- be removed. Battery will
be damaged and become
unusable.

Battery equipped with permanent

cell cover -2-.

Charge indicator -1- displays

electrolyte level and charge
condition.

Battery, checking

13/2/2005

27-17

Notes:

As the charge indicator is located in a single

cell, the indication is only valid for that cell. An
exact assessment of battery condition should
always be confirmed by performing battery test

Page 27-30

.

If the charge indicator on batteries in excess of

5 years old are colorless, DO NOT attempt to
top and/or recharge battery. Battery must be
replaced.

Air bubbles that occur normally during battery

charging (even during vehicle operation) may
adversely affect charge indicator reading. To
obtain an accurate reading, gently tap the
charge indicator with a screwdriver handle or
rock the vehicle in order to displace any
possible air bubbles that have formed.

Charge indicator, readings

Green

sufficient charge (and electrolyte

level) OK

Black

no charge or insufficient charge

Page 27-34

Colorless or yellow

replace battery

Battery, checking

13/2/2005

27-18

Batteries without charge
indicator (magic eye),
checking

WARNING!

Prior to handling or servicing
batteries, read, understand and
observe the Warning and Safety
Measures for lead-acid batteries

Page 27-4

.

Electrolyte level, checking
(batteries without charge
indicator)

Special tools and auxiliary items
needed

WARNING!

The correct battery electrolyte
specific gravity is an important factor
in maintaining battery performance
and service life.

VAS 5045 Battery filling bottle (or

equivalent)

When checking electrolyte level
with sealing caps removed,
illuminate the inside of the
battery housing/cells with a
flashlight.

Keep open flames and sparks
away.

Battery, checking

13/2/2005