Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 197 Engine compartment: pushing up the vehicle battery sleeve
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older vehicle batteries. The vehicle battery is otherwise maintenance-free.
Vehicles with a start/stop system ( ) are fitted with special vehicle batteries. For technical reasons, it might not be possible to check the electrolyte level in these vehicle batteries.
Preparation
- Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment .
- Open the bonnet
.
Battery cover
To open, fold the sleeve away in the direction of the arrow .
To close, fold the cover against the direction of the arrow .
Checking the electrolyte level
- Ensure that enough light is available for you to see the colours clearly. Never use naked flames or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes) as a light source.
- The colour display in the round window on the top side of the vehicle battery will change according to the electrolyte level.
| Colour display | Action |
|---|---|
| Light yellow or without colour | The electrolyte level of the vehicle is too low. The vehicle battery should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if necessary. |
| Black | The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery is correct. |
WARNING
- Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
- Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When working with the battery, protect your hands, arms and particularly your face from acid spillages.
- Never tilt the vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and cause chemical burns.
- Never open a vehicle battery.
- If acid is spilt in your eye or on your skin, rinse immediately for several minutes with cold water. Then consult a doctor immediately.
- If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
Warning lamp
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings
Lit up
Possible cause
Solution
Fault in the alternator.
...
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology
used in factory-fit ...
Other materials:
Dismantling and assembling heater and air conditioning unit
Note
There are different designs and makes of heater and air
conditioning unit. The individual components of the various
heaters and air conditioning units are similar but not
identical. The combined fitting of different makes of component ...
Removing and installing windscreen
Note
The removal of a bonded window is described using the
Removal kit for flush bonded windows -V.A.G 1474 A-.
Alternatively, you can also use the cutting tool for bonded
windows -VAS 6452-.
...
Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified
order before working in the engine compartment :
Park the vehicle on a level and stable
surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until
the engine has stopped.
Switch on the electronic parking brake
Braki ...
