Operation In Winter; Checking The Electrolyte Level - Skoda Fabia Owner's Manual

Checking the electrolyte level


First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a specialist garage from
time to time, especially in the following cases.
›
High outside temperatures.
›
Long daily drives
›
After each charge » page 171.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, known as the
magic eye » Fig. 131, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
›
Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
›
Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Note
The battery electrolyte level is also periodically checked by a specialist garage
■
as part of the Inspection Service.
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description "AGM", the electrolyte
■
level cannot be checked.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
■
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
Fig. 131
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator

Operation in winter


First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The vehicle battery only has some of its starting power at low temperatures. A
discharged vehicle battery may freeze at temperatures just below 0 °C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
Charging

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Only when performing a "quick-charge", disconnect both battery cables (first
"negative", then "positive").
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = "posi-
tive", black = "negative").
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch the
charger on.
›
Once charging is complete: Switch off the charger and remove the mains cable
from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first "positive", then "negative").
It is not necessary to disconnect the battery cables if you are recharging the vehi-
cle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer to the
charger manufacturer's instructions.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower)
must be used until full charging is achieved.
Both cables must be disconnected before charging the battery with high amper-
ages, known as "rapid charging".
 The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
171
Inspecting and replenishing

