Battery troubleshooting
CAUSE | SOLUTION |
Too low electrolyte level | |
Overcharge. Evaporation (especially in summer) | Top up with distilled water to the prescribed level (for a charged battery). |
Electrolyte escaping from the vent cap | |
Charging voltage too high | Check voltage regulator, replace if necessary. |
Too high electrolyte level | Suck off excess electrolyte with a densimeter and pipette. |
Electrolyte density too low | |
The density of the electrolyte in one cell is clearly lower than in the other cells | Short circuit in the cell. Replace or refurbish the battery. |
The density of the electrolyte in two adjacent cells is clearly lower than in the other cells | The partition is not airtight, there is a conductive connection between the cells, as a result of which the cells are discharged. Restore the battery. |
The battery is empty | Charge the battery. |
Faulty generator | Check alternator, repair or replace if necessary. |
Short circuit in the electrical network | Check the electrical system. |
The electrolyte is diluted with water due to a battery maintenance error | Correct the composition of the electrolyte. |
Electrolyte density too high | |
Added electrolyte | Correct the composition of the electrolyte. |
Set power too low, voltage drops | |
Discharged battery | Recharge the battery. |
Charging voltage too low | Check voltage regulator, replace if necessary. |
Loose or oxidized connection terminals | Clean the connecting terminals and lightly grease, especially the underside, with acid-resistant protective grease, tighten the fastening screws. |
Poor connections to battery housing - motor body | Check connections (terminals) on the housing, if necessary, restore the metal connections or tighten the screw connections tightly. |
Excessive battery self-discharge due to electrolyte contamination | Replace battery. |
Possibly sulphated battery plates (gray-white coating on positive and negative plates) | Charge the battery with low current to slowly remove plaque. If, after repeated charging and discharging, the set power remains too low, replace the battery. |
The battery plate is worn out, the active mass of the plates has fallen off | Replace battery. |
Insufficient battery charge | |
Malfunction in alternator, tensioner or line connections | Check alternator and tensioner, repair or replace; fasten the wires properly. |
Loose V-belt | Tighten or replace V-belt. |
Too many consumers connected | Install a more powerful battery; perhaps use a more powerful generator. |