the amber “CHARGING” indicator will light up. Finally the charger will automatically switch to maintenance mode.
The green “FULL” led will illuminate and indicates that the battery is now fully charged.
6. When charging is complete
First, disconnect the charger from the mains supply. Then disconnect the negative crocodile clamp (black) and finally
the positive crocodile clamp (red). Inspect the liquid level in each cell and top up, if necessary, using the correct fluid.
Replace the caps. Any surplus fluid around the cell tops should be wiped off (this should be done with extreme care
as it may be acidic/corrosive). Where appropriate, if the battery has been removed for charging, replace it and
reconnect the cables.
MAINTENANCE
It is essential to keep your battery regularly charged throughout the year, especially during the winter months. In the
winter the effectiveness of your car battery is reduced by the cold. Oil is thick. Engines are difficult to start and the
heater, windscreen wipers and lights are all draining power. It is at this time that batteries have to be at peak power.
If your battery is not regularly maintained and kept fully charged, it can cause problems and a possible breakdown.
Listed are some helpful hints on how to keep your battery healthy in conjunction with your battery charger.
Faulty cells
Batteries are usually made with six cells. One of these cells can deteriorate or get damaged. If, after several hours
charging your battery is still flat, you should test the battery. Take hydrometer readings from each cell in the battery.
If one reading is lower than the others, this could indicate a faulty cell. If necessary, get an auto-electrician to check
your battery. One faulty cell is enough to ruin your battery. It is pointless to continue using it and you would be better
getting a new one.
Care
Sometimes the battery may appear flat, but this could simply be dirty or loose connections on your battery terminals.
It is important to maintain the battery terminals on a regular basis. Do this by removing the battery clamps from the
terminal posts, clean the terminal posts as well as the inside of the battery clamps, smear them with vaseline, refit in
their correct places and tighten firmly.
It is essential to keep the electrolyte level above the plates. Note, however, that you should not overfill it, as the
electrolyte is strongly acidic. When topping up, do not use tap water. Always use distilled or de-ionized water. It is
important to keep the acid level up. If necessary have it checked by your garage.
Checking the condition of your battery
Using a hydrometer, which can be purchased from most motor accessory stores, you can check the specific gravity
of the electrolyte in each cell. The hydrometer is used to suck up a small quantity of fluid from the cell. The weighted
float inside the hydrometer will register the condition of that cell. Put the fluid back into the cell after testing, taking
care not to splash the fluid about.
