1997 AUDI A4 Battery Workshop Manual

The electrolyte level must reach the internal
electrolyte level indicator (lip of plastic flange).
This corresponds to the external maximum line
on the battery case.
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27-9

Electrolyte level too low

Special tools, test equipment and auxiliary
items
VAS5045 battery cell filler

Note:
If the electrolyte level is too low, the plates will
dry out causing a loss of capacity (power loss) in
the battery. If the plates are not surrounded by
electrolyte (sulfuric acid), the plates, plate straps
and the cell connectors will corrode. The result of
this corrosion is that battery function can no
longer be assured. The battery is made useless.

Notes: - If electrolyte level is too low, add distilled water up to maximum mark
using VAS5045 battery cell filler.
The design of the filler nozzle of the VAS5045 battery cell filler
prevents overfilling the battery cell and loss of battery acid. When the
maximum fill level is reached, the flow of distilled water into the battery
cell is stopped. To avoid contaminating the electrolyte, add only distilled water to the
battery (contaminated water will lead to increased self-discharge).
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27-10

Electrolyte level too high

Special tools, test equipment and auxiliary
items

Commercially available hydrometer
Note:
If the electrolyte level is too high, the sulfuric acid/water mixture will leak
to the outside of the battery and damage functional components in the
engine compartment.
- If electrolyte level is too high (overfilling), i.e., it is above internal
electrolyte level mark (lip of plastic flange) or external maximum line,
draw off excess electrolyte using commercially available hydrometer.
- Draw off electrolyte using hydrometer until electrolyte level has
reached lip of plastic flange or maximum line.
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27-11

Batteries with central gas vent

CAUTION!

Make absolutely certain that only batteries of
the most recent design with central gas
vents are installed.
Always use the original cell caps. The caps
must be equipped with an O-ring seal.
There are two types of batteries with central gas
vents:
Batteries with a hose on the central gas vent
Batteries without a hose on the central gas
vent
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27-12

No-load voltage, checking


CAUTION!

Battery cell caps must be screwed in tightly
when charging, measuring voltage or
performing load tests.
Always comply with the following
instructions otherwise a correct
measurement cannot be assured.

Special tools, test equipment and auxiliary
items
VAG1715 multimeter or
VAG1362 minitester or
Multimeter (Fluke 83 or equivalent)

Notes:
When testing the no-load voltage of a battery
installed in a vehicle, make sure the battery
Ground (GND) strap is disconnected.
The battery must not have been under a load
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for at least two hours before the test.
The battery must not have been charged at
least two hours before the test.
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27-13
Use the following procedure for testing the
voltage of a battery which is not under load:

- Switch ignition off.

- Disconnect battery Ground strap.

- Measure voltage between battery terminals.


12.5 volts or higher: battery OK

Below 12.5 volts: recharge battery
immediately Page 27
-21

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27-14

Specific gravity, checking


Special tools, test equipment and auxiliary
items

CAUTION!
Notes:
The specific gravity can be tested immediately after charging the battery.
Commercially available hydrometerShop towelWhen working with battery acid, make sure to follow all "Warnings
and safety precautions for lead-acid batteries." Wear suitable
protective clothing and eye protection. When disposing of batteries, always comply with applicable
Federal, State and local laws regarding the disposal of batteries
and sulfuric acid. In order to better determine the overall condition of a battery, always
perform a specific gravity test in conjunction with the load test. The temperature of the electrolyte must be at least 10 C (50 F).
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