Volkswagen Golf / Golf GTI / Jetta. Manual - part 1064

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Battery 

  

  

WARNING!

 

  

  

Prior to handling or servicing batteries, 
read, understand and observe the 
Warning and Safety measures for lead-
acid batteries 

 

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CAUTION!

 

  

  

In order to prevent damage to the battery 
or vehicle, observe battery type 
descriptions and notes 

 

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General information 

 

  

   The battery is one of the most important 

electrical components in the modern 
automobile. A battery that provides trouble-
free service has a great influence on 
customer satisfaction. To ensure trouble-
free service and optimum service life, 
batteries must be checked, serviced and 
maintained as per the instructions in this 
Manual.  

  

   Apart from starting the engine, the battery 

has other tasks. It acts as a buffer and also 
supplies electrical energy to the complete 
vehicle electrical system. In addition, the 
cyclical and capacity demands on the 
battery have increased due to additional 
safety and convenience features (electrical 
consumers) being installed.  

  

   The automobile battery has undergone 

many technical changes and improvements, 
and development of new battery 
technologies continues.  

Battery

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   A new generation of maintenance free 

batteries uses physically and constructively 
optimized, lead-calcium coated positive 
electrodes. Advantages include minimal 
electrolyte consumption and servicing 
requirements, as well as improved charge 
stability over a longer period of time. 
Simplified checking of these batteries is also 
achieved with the charge indicator (magic 
eye).  

  

   Several different types of battery may be 

installed on Golf/Jetta vehicles 

 

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3

 . Each requires specific servicing 

 

Page 

27-7

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Battery

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Battery types 

 

  

   Low Maintenance Batteries: Batteries 

with electrolyte, lead-antimony coated 
electrodes and removable cell caps  

  

   A low maintenance battery is characterized 

as a lead-acid battery that, during normal 
operation, requires regular inspection and 
topping-up of distilled water as necessary. 
Cell caps may be covered with foil.  

  

   A low maintenance battery may or may not 

be equipped with a charge indicator ("magic 
eye") that displays electrolyte level and 
charge condition.  

  

   Maintenance Free Batteries: Batteries 

with electrolyte, lead-calcium coated 
electrodes and cells that are permanently 
sealed after initial filling  

  

   A maintenance free battery is characterized 

as a permanently sealed lead-acid battery 
that, during normal operation, does not 
require regular inspection and topping-up of 
distilled water. .  

  

   A maintenance free battery is always 

equipped with a charge indicator (magic 
eye) that displays electrolyte level and 
charge condition.  

  

  

CAUTION!

 

  

  

Under no circumstances should the cell 
cover (seal) on a maintenance free 
battery be removed. Battery will be 
damaged and become unusable.

 

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Warnings and Safety 
Measures for lead-acid 
batteries 

 

  

  

Safe interaction with vehicle 
batteries  

     Battery safety labels, 

understanding and prevention 

The dangers inherent with vehicle 
batteries can be avoided when the 
Warnings and safety measures 
indicated on battery safety labels 
and listed in this Repair Manual are 
read, understood and followed.  

WARNING!

 

1 - Keep open flames and sparks 
away and DO NOT smoke near 
batteries!

 

2 - Always wear eye protection 
when working with electrolyte!

 

3 - Keep children away from 
batteries!

 

4 - Dispose of batteries properly!

 

 

Avoid sparks when working 
with cables and electrical units. 

 

Always reinstall battery 
positive (B+) or negative (-) 
terminal covers if removed 
during servicing.

 

 

If electrolyte gets into eyes, 
flush with large quantities of 
water. Seek medical attention 
immediately!

 

 

Waste batteries must only be 
disposed of in appropriate 
waste disposal sites. Refer to 
local regulations pertaining to 
battery disposal. 

Battery

13/2/2005