Battery — checking health and charging (Renault Clio 1)

Standard and low-maintenance batteries - testing

Note: This procedure requires a hydrometer.

1. If the vehicle's annual mileage is low, check the electrolyte density every three months to determine the battery's condition. Measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer and compare the results with the following table. Please note that the electrolyte density data is given for a temperature of 15°C. For every 10°C below 15°C, subtract 0.007, and for every 10°C above 15°C, add 0.007.

Ambient temperature
	Above 25°C	Below 25°C
Fully charged	1.210 - 1.230	1.270 - 1.290
Charged to 70%	1.170 - 1.190	1.230 - 1.250
Discharged	1.050 - 1.070	1.110 - 1.130

2. If the battery condition is not exactly known, check the density of the electrolyte in each cell. The difference is 0.040 (or more) between any cells indicates loss of electrolyte or wear of the internal plates.

3. If the difference in electrolyte density in different cells is 0.040 (or more), the battery needs to be replaced. If this difference is less than 0.040, but the battery is discharged, it should be charged as described later in this Chapter.

Maintenance-free battery - check

4. In cases where a sealed maintenance-free battery is installed, refilling and checking the density of the electrolyte in each cell is not possible. The battery condition can only be checked using an appropriate indicator or voltmeter.



5. To test the battery with a voltmeter, connect the voltmeter to the battery terminals. The results of this measurement will only be accurate if the battery has not been charged within the previous six hours. If this condition is violated, turn on the headlights and leave them on for 30 seconds. After turning them off, wait 4-5 minutes and take a measurement. All other electrical circuits must be turned off. Make sure all doors are closed tightly.

6. If the measured voltage is less than 12.2 volts, the battery is completely discharged, while a voltage of 12.2 - 12.4 volts indicates that it is partially discharged.

7. If the battery needs to be charged, remove it from the vehicle (Chapter 3) and perform charging as described later in this Chapter.

Standard batteries - charging

Note: The following information is provided as a general guide. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations before charging the battery.

(Article reprinted from the website: RENAULTBOOK)

8. The battery is charged with a current of 3.5 - 4 A. Continue charging the battery with this current until an increase in the density of the electrolyte is observed. After four hours have passed since the last increase in density, charging of the battery can be stopped.

9. Alternatively, charging the battery with a trickle charger at 1.5A can be done safely overnight.

10. Charging too quickly, allowing the battery to be fully recharged within 1 - 2 hours, is not recommended as it may cause serious damage to the battery plates due to overheating.



11. When charging the battery, ensure that the electrolyte temperature never exceeds 37.8°C.

Maintenance-free battery - charging

Note: The following information is provided as a general guide. Always refer to the following before charging the battery. manufacturer's recommendations.

12. Fully charging this type of battery takes significantly longer (up to three days with significant discharge).

13. For charging, a charger that produces constant voltage is required. Once connected, the device should be set to a voltage of 13.9 - 14.9 volts at a current below 25 A. With this charging method, the battery will be ready for use in three hours, producing a voltage of 12.5 volts. This charging time is realistic if the battery is only partially discharged; a full charge takes significantly longer.

14. If the battery is charged from a completely discharged state (voltage below 12.2 volts), entrust charging to a dealer, as this process requires constant supervision by a specialist.