Skoda SUPERB - 05-2009 Manual page 233

232 Inspecting and replenishing
Note
•
Batteries with two-tone indicator, which are mounted as of factory, are marked
with a code which always begins with 5K0. The exact marking can be e.g.
5K0 915 105 D.
•
Replacement batteries with two-tone indicator, which were obtained from
Škoda original accessories, are marked with the code 000 915 105 Dx, whereby
"x" stands for a variable. The exact marking can be e.g. 000 915 105 DB.
Battery with three-tone indicator
An indicator for the electrolyte level and the charge state, the so-called magic eye
⇒ page 231, fig.
208, is located on the top of the battery. The indicator changes its
colour in line with the charge state and the electrolyte level in the battery.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully knock
on the indicator before carrying out the check.
•
Green colour - the battery is adequately charged.
•
Dark colour - the battery has to be charged
•
Colourless or yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Batteries, which are more than 5 years old, must be replaced. We recommend you
have the battery checked or replaced by a specialist garage.
Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge because certain electrical components consume electricity (e.g. control
units) also in idle state. You can prevent the discharging of the battery by discon-
necting the negative terminal or charging the battery constantly with a very low
charging current. Please also refer to the notes when working on the battery
⇒ page 229.
Note
•
Batteries with three-tone indicator, which are mounted as of factory, are
marked with a code which always begins with 1J0, 7N0 or 3B0. The exact marking
can be e.g. 1J0 915 105 AC.
•
Replacement batteries with three-tone indicator, which were obtained from
Škoda original accessories, are marked with the code 000 915 105 Ax, whereby
"x" stands for a variable. The exact marking can be e.g. 000 915 105 AB.
Inspecting the electrolyte level
The battery is practically maintenance-free under normal operating conditions.
We do, however, recommend that you have the electrolyte level inspected from
time to time by a specialist garage when outside temperatures are high or when
driving on long trips. You should also have the electrolyte level ⇒ page 233
checked each time the battery is charged.
The electrolyte level of the battery will also be checked as part of the Inspection
Service.
Operation in winter
The battery has to provide greater amounts of electricity during the winter. It also
has only part of the initial power output at low temperatures that it has at normal
temperatures.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by an authorised
Škoda Service Partner before the start of the winter and recharged if necessary.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns. Replace a frozen battery.