1. Application

New vehicles delivered to customers now have a hydrometer which permits direct displaying of the charge status.

1. Application

This procedure applies to all ready-to-use batteries.
They are fitted on new vehicles or sold as Replacement Parts (boutique, warehouse, gondola end… ).
The batteries must guarantee quality and reliability which meet the requirements of our customers.
They are an addition to the new vehicle preparation ranges distributed for each model of the range.

2. Recommended tools

Approved charging equipment : See garage equipment catalogue or, failing this, obtain a limited voltage charger.
Approved battery cable.

3. General principles for charging batteries

Comply with the maximum voltage indications and the nominal current level in relation to the type and size of the battery :

• Never apply an excessive voltage or current
• Use a charger suited to the battery and the type of charge required
• Do not use a rapid charger or, if the charger has this function, use the normal charge function
• Check the condition of the battery

N.B. : The effectiveness of the charge depends on the condition of the battery.

4. Precautions to be taken

Do not charge :

• A faulty battery (White hydrometer)
• A battery coated with sulphate (Depositing of a superficial layer of lead sulphate on the plates)
• A warm battery (Risk of thermal racing and damage)

5. Charging procedure

5.1. Preliminary operations

Figure: D1CP03JD

Remove the battery (1) located underneath the passenger compartment floor.

CAUTION : If the hydrometer is white, the battery is faulty : Replace the battery.

Check the conformity of the battery :

• Sealing of the case
• Absence of electrolyte leaks
• Absence of apparent signs of impact or cracks
• Status of the hydrometer

N.B. : Date of manufacture (If the battery was manufactured more than 6 months ago : Replace the battery).

5.2. Charging

Follow the operating instructions given by the manufacturer of the charger .
Check the clamps and terminals are clean. If the terminals are covered with sulphate (whitish or greenish deposit), strip and clean them.
The recharging operation must be carried out in a ventilated environment away from naked flames or any sources of sparks to prevent any risk of explosion and fire.

Do not recharge a frozen battery; it must first be thawed out to prevent the risk of an explosion; if it has frozen, have the battery checked before recharging by a specialist; they will check that the internal components have not been damaged and that the casing is not cracked, which would mean that toxic and