Replacing The Battery - Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Owner's Manual

WARNING
Never attempt to charge a
frozen battery
thawing it, the danger of explosion
exists. If it has frozen, always
check that the inside elements are
not broken and that the body is not
cracked, with the risk of acid co-
ming out which is poisonous and
corrosive.
IMPORTANT A battery kept at below
50% of its capacity is damaged by sulpha-
tion, the capacity is reduced and starting is
difficult, there is also more possibility of
freezing (this can occur at –10 °C). In the
event of a prolonged stop, refer to "Vehi-
cle inactivity" in the chapter "Correct use of
the car".

REPLACING THE BATTERY

If required, replace the battery with a gen-
uine spare part having the same specifica-
before
tions. If a battery with different specifica-
tions is fitted, the service intervals given in
the Scheduled Maintenance Programme in
this section will no longer be valid. Refer
to the instructions provided by the battery
manufacturer.
USEFUL HINTS TO EXTEND
THE LIE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid quickly draining the battery and
to preserve its operating conditions over the
course of time, carefully follow the instruc-
tions below:
– The terminals must always be tightened.
– As far as possible, avoid keeping ser-
vices on for a long time with the engine
stopped (radio, hazard lights, parking lights,
etc.).
– When leaving the car parked in a
garage, make sure that the doors, bonnet,
boot and interior lids are properly shut to
prevent internal lights from staying on.
– Before doing any work on the electric
system, disconnect the battery negative ter-
minal.
– If after purchasing the car, you wish to
install electrical accessories which need a
permanent electrical supply (alarm, hands-
free phone, radio-navigator etc.) contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services whose qual-
ified personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices from Lineaccessori Al-
fa Romeo will be able to evaluate the total
electrical absorption, checking whether the
car's electric system is able to support the
load required or whether a battery with high-
er capacity is necessary. In fact, these de-
vices continue to absorb current with the
ignition key off (car parked, engine off) and
may gradually drain the battery.
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