Volkswagen Golf / Golf GTI / Jetta. Manual — part 1067

conditions and battery failure
results.

Battery, checking

13/2/2005

27-12

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.

CAUTION!

Before beginning repairs on the electrical
system

Switch off all electrical consumers.

Switch ignition off and remove ignition
key.

- Check electrolyte level visually, either via charge

indicator (if equipped) or from min./max.
markings on battery housing.

Electrolyte level reading from charge indicator

arrow-.

CAUTION!

Do not use charge indicator to determine
excessive electrolyte levels. Always check for
excessive electrolyte levels visually.

Green

electrolyte level OK

Colorless or yellow

critically low electrolyte

level. Top up with distilled water immediately

Page 27-14

Electrolyte level reading from min./max. marking on

battery housing -arrow-.

Electrolyte level must be above the minimum

marking or just reach the maximum marking.

Battery, checking

13/2/2005

27-13

If no minimum and maximum markings are
visible on the battery housing (either not molded
in or not visible due to installation location) or if
the battery housing is black, the sealing plugs
must be removed. Then determine electrolyte
level by viewing inside the battery cells.

- First remove plastic foil from cell caps (where

applicable), being sure not to disturb plastic
safety warning label on battery.

- Unscrew cell caps -2-.

- Look into individual battery cells to determine

electrolyte level.

Note:

On batteries with black housings, obtain accurate
electrolyte level readings by illuminating inside of
cells with a flashlight.

Electrolyte level too low

Page 27-14

Electrolyte level too high

Page 27-15

No load voltage, checking

Page 27-27

Battery test

Page 27-30

Electrolyte level must align with the internal

electrolyte level indicator (lip) -1-. This equates
to the external "maximum" marking on the
battery case.

Battery, checking

13/2/2005

27-14

Electrolyte level too low

- Fill with distilled water using battery filling bottle

VAS 5045 (or equivalent) up to the max.
marking

Note:

Design of filler support on filling bottle VAS 5045

prevents overfilling of battery cells and subsequent
electrolyte leaks. When max. level is reached the
flow of distilled water into battery cells stops.

CAUTION!

Only use distilled water to top-up batteries.
This prevents electrolyte impurities which
cause self-discharging.

DO NOT overfill the battery

Overfilled batteries can boil over.

Too little electrolyte reduces the service life
of the battery.

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.

Battery, checking

13/2/2005