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5A•2 Starting and charging systems
Always remove rings, watches, etc before
working on the electrical system. Even with
the
battery
disconnected,
discharge could occur if a component's live
terminal is earthed through a metal object.
This could cause a shock or nasty burn.
Do not reverse the battery connections.
Components such as the alternator, electronic
control units, or any other components having
semi-conductor circuitry could be irreparably
damaged.
If the engine is being started using jump
leads and a slave battery, connect the
batteries positive-to-positive and negative-to-
negative
(see
"Booster
starting"). This also applies when connecting
a battery charger.
Never disconnect the battery terminals, the
alternator, any electrical wiring or any test
instruments when the engine is running.
Do not allow the engine to turn the
alternator when the alternator is disconnected.
Never "test" for alternator output by
'flashing' the output lead to earth.
Never use an ohmmeter of the type
incorporating a hand-cranked generator for
circuit or continuity testing.
Always ensure that the battery negative
lead is disconnected when working on the
electrical system.
Before
using
electric-arc
equipment on the car, disconnect the battery,
alternator and components such as the fuel
injection/ignition electronic control unit to
protect them from the risk of damage.
2 Electrical fault finding - general
information
Refer to Chapter 12.
3 Battery - testing and charging
Standard and low maintenance
battery - testing
1 If the vehicle covers a small annual mileage
it is worthwhile checking the specific gravity
of the electrolyte every three months to
determine the state of charge of the battery.
Use a hydrometer to make the check and
compare the results with the following table.
Note that the specific gravity readings assume
an electrolyte temperature of 15ºC (60ºF); for
every 10ºC (48ºF) below 15ºC (60ºF) subtract
0.007. For every 10ºC (48ºF) above 15ºC
(60ºF) add 0.007.
Ambient temperature, 25ºC (77ºF)
above
Fully-charged
1.21 to 1.23 1.27 to 1.29
70% charged
1.17 to 1.19 1.23 to 1.25
Fully-discharged 1.05 to 1.07 1.11 to 1.13
2 If the battery condition is suspect, first
check the specific gravity of electrolyte in
each cell. A variation of 0.040 or more
between any cells indicates loss of electrolyte
or deterioration of the internal plates.
3 If the specific gravity variation is 0.040 or
capacitive
more, the battery should be renewed. If the
cell variation is satisfactory but the battery is
discharged,
described later in this Section.
Maintenance-free battery -
testing
4 In cases where a "sealed for life"
maintenance-free battery is fitted, topping-up
and testing of the electrolyte in each cell is not
possible. The condition of the battery can
therefore only be tested using a battery
condition indicator or a voltmeter.
battery
(jump)
5 A Delco type maintenance-free battery is
fitted with a built-in charge condition
indicator. The indicator is located in the top of
the battery casing, and indicates the condition
of the battery from its colour. If the indicator
shows green, then the battery is in a good
state of charge. If the indicator turns darker,
eventually to black, then the battery requires
charging, as described later in this Section. If
the indicator shows clear/yellow, then the
electrolyte level in the battery is too low to
allow further use, and the battery should be
renewed. Do not attempt to charge, load or
jump start a battery when the indicator shows
clear/yellow (see illustration).
6 If testing the battery using a voltmeter,
welding
connect the voltmeter across the battery and
compare the result with those given in the
Specifications under "charge condition". The
test is only accurate if the battery has not
been subjected to any kind of charge for the
previous six hours. If this is not the case,
switch on the headlights for 30 seconds, then
wait four to five minutes before testing the
battery after switching off the headlights. All
other electrical circuits must be switched off,
so check that the doors and tailgate are fully
shut when making the test.
7 If the voltage reading is less than 12.2 volts,
then the battery is discharged, whilst a
reading of 12.2 to 12.4 volts indicates a
partially discharged condition.
8 If the battery is to be charged, remove it
from the vehicle (Section 4) and charge it as
described later in this Section.
below
it should be charged as
3.5 Battery condition indicator on maintenance-free type battery
Standard and low maintenance
battery - charging
Note: The following is intended as a guide
only. Always refer to the manufacturer's
recommendations (often printed on a label
attached to the battery) before charging a
battery.
9 Charge the battery at a rate of 3.5 to 4
amps and continue to charge the battery at
this rate until no further rise in specific gravity
is noted over a four hour period.
10 Alternatively, a trickle charger charging at
the rate of 1.5 amps can safely be used
overnight.
11 Specially rapid `boost' charges which are
claimed to restore the power of the battery in
1 to 2 hours are not recommended, as they
can cause serious damage to the battery
plates through overheating.
12 While charging the battery, note that the
temperature of the electrolyte should never
exceed 37.8ºC (100ºF).
Maintenance-free battery -
charging
Note: The following is intended as a guide
only. Always refer to the manufacturer's
recommendations (often printed on a label
attached to the battery) before charging a
battery.
13 This battery type takes considerably
longer to fully recharge than the standard
type, the time taken being dependent on the
extent of discharge, but it can take anything
up to three days.
14 A constant voltage type charger is
required, to be set, when connected, to 13.9
to 14.9 volts with a charger current below 25
amps. Using this method, the battery should
be usable within three hours, giving a voltage
reading of 12.5 volts, but this is for a partially
discharged battery and, as mentioned, full
charging can take considerably longer.
15 If the battery is to be charged from a fully
discharged state (condition reading less than
12.2 volts), have it recharged by your Vauxhall
dealer or local automotive electrician, as the
charge rate is higher and constant supervision
during charging is necessary.
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