Volkswagen Golf / Golf GTI / Jetta. Manual — part 1073

27-35

CAUTION!

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

Page 27-3

.

Special tools and auxiliary items needed

Battery Charging Station: Midtronics INC-940

Notes:

Before charging, battery must have a minimum

temperature of 10 C (50 F)

It is not necessary to remove battery from

vehicle or disconnect battery terminals.

Charging voltage must not exceed 14.4V.

Always follow the battery charger operating

instructions

After charging, confirm battery no load voltage

and electrolyte specific gravity before reuse in
vehicle.

CAUTION!

Before beginning repairs on the electrical
system

Switch off all electrical consumers.

Switch ignition off and remove ignition
key.

Battery, charging

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27-36

- Connect battery charger to battery, positive to

positive (+), negative to negative (-).

- Switch on battery charger.

- Adjust charging rate according to battery

capacity (refer to charger instructions).

WARNING!

If battery begins gassing (boiling) violently
when charging, REDUCE charging rate
immediately.

Battery, charging

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27-37

Charging totally discharged
batteries

Batteries that have not been used for long

periods of time begin to self discharge (e.g.
vehicles in storage). Under these conditions,
the battery begins to sulfate and the surface
area of the battery plates hardens. A battery
is considered to be totally discharged if the
no load voltage is below 11.6 volts. No load
voltage, checking

Page 27-27

.

On totally discharged batteries, the

electrolyte (sulfuric acid/water mixture) is
almost all water. When these batteries are
exposed to freezing temperatures,
permanent damage to the battery plates
(and housing) results.

If a totally discharged battery is charged

quickly ("quick charged" or "boost charged"),
only a surface charge is accepted (if at all).
The battery may even test OK immediately
after charging. However, in this case the
sulfating process continues inside the
battery. Once a battery begins to sulfate, it's
ability to further accept a routine charge
(from the Generator) and provide adequate
load and reserve performance will diminish
until the battery malfunctions.

Battery, charging

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Totally discharged batteries must only be slow

charged and re-tested.

- Apply a maximum charge current that is no more

than 10% of battery capacity, e.g.: for a 60Ah
battery, max. charge current = 6 amps.

- Charge a totally discharged battery for a

minimum of 24 hours.

CAUTION!

Never "quick charge" a totally discharged
battery. Effective charging will not take place,
despite what appears to be a sufficient
voltage applied. Batteries loaded in this
manner may be incorrectly evaluated as OK
and battery damage may result.

Battery, charging

13/2/2005