Herm TDI
Vendor
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2001
- TDI
- 2002 Golf GLS Malone Stage 3, P+520 nozzles, 11MM Inj pump, Sachs VR6 clutch, Stelth Race Pipe, Immo Deleat, EGR Deleat
OK folks....
In the past 3 days I've had 4 calls about VW batteries.
First, let me say this....."The VW OEM Battery is a good unit"....IF you (The owner) perform the simple basics of battery preventative maintenance.
Here as a few "Action Items" that you need to do. You too can get consistent and reliable service from your battery.
1. The OEM battery is NOT Maintenance free. You need to remove the "plastic tape" that is covering the cell caps.
2. Buy a gal of distilled water (no not use regular tap water in your automotive battery).
3. Twice a year you should check each cell and add distilled water (if needed) to top the electrolite level up to the correct amount (never over-fill the battery).
4. Every two yrs ( I do mine when I flush my brake system) remove the battery and clean the cable posts (both ends) as well as the ground points.
5. I recommend that the Bi-annual battery care be done in May & Oct. This way your battery is checked and ready for the temp extreams of summer & winter.
Here is how to test your battery:
Specific Gravity Test This test is performed with a hydrometer, which is the most accurate hand held tool for determining the state of charge of a lead acid battery.
Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer a few times so that the float reaches the same temperature as the electrolyte. This will increase the accuracy of your readings.
Hold the hydrometer vertically so that the float is free and does not touch the inner walls of the barrel.
Hold the hydrometer so that the liquid is level in the barrel and at eye level.
When you draw the electrolyte, make sure that the hydrometer is full.
Check each individual battery cell. If the specific gravity varies more than .050 or "50 points" among the cells while the battery is at a 75% state of charge or above, then the battery is bad and should be replaced. The cells that have a specific gravity of 50 points less than the highest cell are bad cells. A hydrometer reading of 1.265 or greater at 80°F indicates a full charge for Interstate batteries. To determine the battery's state of charge, compare the hydrometer reading to the Specific Gravity Chart.
To get the most accurate hydrometer reading, you should adjust your hydrometer reading according to the temperature. If the electrolyte temperature is ABOVE 80°F , ADD .004 (called "four points") to the hydrometer reading for each 10 degrees above 80°F. If the electrolyte temperature is BELOW 80°F, SUBTRACT four points from the hydrometer reading for each 10 degrees below 80°F.
Specific Gravity VS. State of Charge
1.265 100%
1.225 75%
1.190 50%
1.155 25%
1.120 0%
I have a 99 (A-4)Golf with the origanial OEM battery. This battery still holds a strong charge, each cell specific gravity is between 1.22 - 1.24
So, Go buy one of those wire battery cleaners...some distilled water...and a small automatic battery charger..or, one of those solar panels will also do a nice job if you don't have the means to charge your own battery..
The best thig you can do is.....check the electrolite level..... at least twice a year.
In the past 3 days I've had 4 calls about VW batteries.
First, let me say this....."The VW OEM Battery is a good unit"....IF you (The owner) perform the simple basics of battery preventative maintenance.
Here as a few "Action Items" that you need to do. You too can get consistent and reliable service from your battery.
1. The OEM battery is NOT Maintenance free. You need to remove the "plastic tape" that is covering the cell caps.
2. Buy a gal of distilled water (no not use regular tap water in your automotive battery).
3. Twice a year you should check each cell and add distilled water (if needed) to top the electrolite level up to the correct amount (never over-fill the battery).
4. Every two yrs ( I do mine when I flush my brake system) remove the battery and clean the cable posts (both ends) as well as the ground points.
5. I recommend that the Bi-annual battery care be done in May & Oct. This way your battery is checked and ready for the temp extreams of summer & winter.
Here is how to test your battery:
Specific Gravity Test This test is performed with a hydrometer, which is the most accurate hand held tool for determining the state of charge of a lead acid battery.
Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer a few times so that the float reaches the same temperature as the electrolyte. This will increase the accuracy of your readings.
Hold the hydrometer vertically so that the float is free and does not touch the inner walls of the barrel.
Hold the hydrometer so that the liquid is level in the barrel and at eye level.
When you draw the electrolyte, make sure that the hydrometer is full.
Check each individual battery cell. If the specific gravity varies more than .050 or "50 points" among the cells while the battery is at a 75% state of charge or above, then the battery is bad and should be replaced. The cells that have a specific gravity of 50 points less than the highest cell are bad cells. A hydrometer reading of 1.265 or greater at 80°F indicates a full charge for Interstate batteries. To determine the battery's state of charge, compare the hydrometer reading to the Specific Gravity Chart.
To get the most accurate hydrometer reading, you should adjust your hydrometer reading according to the temperature. If the electrolyte temperature is ABOVE 80°F , ADD .004 (called "four points") to the hydrometer reading for each 10 degrees above 80°F. If the electrolyte temperature is BELOW 80°F, SUBTRACT four points from the hydrometer reading for each 10 degrees below 80°F.
Specific Gravity VS. State of Charge
1.265 100%
1.225 75%
1.190 50%
1.155 25%
1.120 0%
I have a 99 (A-4)Golf with the origanial OEM battery. This battery still holds a strong charge, each cell specific gravity is between 1.22 - 1.24
So, Go buy one of those wire battery cleaners...some distilled water...and a small automatic battery charger..or, one of those solar panels will also do a nice job if you don't have the means to charge your own battery..
The best thig you can do is.....check the electrolite level..... at least twice a year.
Done today!
