Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level in each cell must be between the MIN·mark -1- and the MAX mark -2-. If necessary, remove battery cap -3- and top up with distilled water.
Voltage test
The condition of the battery is checked by measuring the voltage between its poles with a voltmeter.
Clean the outside of the battery.
Before checking after charging the battery, at least six hours must elapse, including after charging with the engine running.
Switch off headlights and all other electrical consumers and wait 5 minutes.
Connect a voltmeter to the battery terminals and measure the voltage.
Conclusions based on the measurement results:
- 12.7 volts or higher - battery in good condition;
- 12.6 volts - normal;
- 12.4 volts or less - the battery is in poor condition. it needs to be charged or replaced.
Battery test under load
Connect a voltmeter to the battery terminals.
Start the engine and read the voltmeter reading.
When starting the engine, the voltage with a fully charged battery should not fall below 10 volts (at an electrolyte temperature of approximately +20°С).
If the voltage immediately drops, and besides, a different electrolyte density was found in the cells of the battery, then it is necessary to conclude that the battery is defective.
Electrolyte Density Check
The density of the electrolyte, together with the measurement of voltage, makes it possible to make an unambiguous conclusion about the state of charge of the battery. For testing, a cordless densimeter with a pipette is used, which is available at affordable yen from specialized stores. The greater the density of the electrolyte sucked by the densimeter from the battery, the more the densimeter float floats. On the densimeter scale, you can determine the density of the electrolyte in g / ml or in degrees Baume (+°Be).
The state of charge of the battery corresponding to the measured density of the electrolyte
| Charging status | +°Be | g/ml |
| discharged | 16 | 1.15 |
| half discharged | 24 | 1.22 |
| well charged | 30 | 1.26 |
Check each battery cell in sequence, all cells must have the same electrolyte density (the maximum allowable difference is 0.04 g/ml). Otherwise, it is concluded that the battery is defective.
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