Volkswagen Golf / Golf GTI / Jetta. Manual — part 1064

27-1

Battery

WARNING!

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

Page 27-4

.

CAUTION!

In order to prevent damage to the battery
or vehicle, observe battery type
descriptions and notes

Page 27-3

.

General information

The battery is one of the most important

electrical components in the modern
automobile. A battery that provides trouble-
free service has a great influence on
customer satisfaction. To ensure trouble-
free service and optimum service life,
batteries must be checked, serviced and
maintained as per the instructions in this
Manual.

Apart from starting the engine, the battery

has other tasks. It acts as a buffer and also
supplies electrical energy to the complete
vehicle electrical system. In addition, the
cyclical and capacity demands on the
battery have increased due to additional
safety and convenience features (electrical
consumers) being installed.

The automobile battery has undergone

many technical changes and improvements,
and development of new battery
technologies continues.

Battery

13/2/2005

27-2

A new generation of maintenance free

batteries uses physically and constructively
optimized, lead-calcium coated positive
electrodes. Advantages include minimal
electrolyte consumption and servicing
requirements, as well as improved charge
stability over a longer period of time.
Simplified checking of these batteries is also
achieved with the charge indicator (magic
eye).

Several different types of battery may be

installed on Golf/Jetta vehicles

Page 27-

3

. Each requires specific servicing

Page

27-7

.

Battery

13/2/2005

27-3

Battery types

Low Maintenance Batteries: Batteries

with electrolyte, lead-antimony coated
electrodes and removable cell caps

A low maintenance battery is characterized

as a lead-acid battery that, during normal
operation, requires regular inspection and
topping-up of distilled water as necessary.
Cell caps may be covered with foil.

A low maintenance battery may or may not

be equipped with a charge indicator ("magic
eye") that displays electrolyte level and
charge condition.

Maintenance Free Batteries: Batteries

with electrolyte, lead-calcium coated
electrodes and cells that are permanently
sealed after initial filling

A maintenance free battery is characterized

as a permanently sealed lead-acid battery
that, during normal operation, does not
require regular inspection and topping-up of
distilled water. .

A maintenance free battery is always

equipped with a charge indicator (magic
eye) that displays electrolyte level and
charge condition.

CAUTION!

Under no circumstances should the cell
cover (seal) on a maintenance free
battery be removed. Battery will be
damaged and become unusable.

Battery

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Warnings and Safety
Measures for lead-acid
batteries

Safe interaction with vehicle
batteries

Battery safety labels,

understanding and prevention

The dangers inherent with vehicle
batteries can be avoided when the
Warnings and safety measures
indicated on battery safety labels
and listed in this Repair Manual are
read, understood and followed.

WARNING!

1 - Keep open flames and sparks
away and DO NOT smoke near
batteries!

2 - Always wear eye protection
when working with electrolyte!

3 - Keep children away from
batteries!

4 - Dispose of batteries properly!

Avoid sparks when working
with cables and electrical units.

Always reinstall battery
positive (B+) or negative (-)
terminal covers if removed
during servicing.

If electrolyte gets into eyes,
flush with large quantities of
water. Seek medical attention
immediately!

Waste batteries must only be
disposed of in appropriate
waste disposal sites. Refer to
local regulations pertaining to
battery disposal.

Battery

13/2/2005