Battery Charging. Opel Sintra 1999

For 1990-2009 cars

Caution: Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is extremely flammable and may explode violently if ignited by a spark or a flame. Battery acid is extremely corrosive and causes severe personal injury if the acid comes into contact with the skin, and blindness if the acid comes into contact with the eyes. In order to avoid severe personal injury, use extreme caution when servicing the battery or battery-related components.

### Charging Time Required

The time required to charge a battery will vary depending upon the following factors:

• | The size of the battery -- A completely discharged, large, heavy-duty battery requires more than twice the recharging time as a completely discharged, smaller capacity battery.

• | The temperature -- A longer time is needed to charge any battery at -18°C (0°F) than at 27°C (80°F). When a fast charger is connected to a cold battery, the current accepted by the battery is very low at first. As the battery warms, the battery accepts current at a higher rate.

• | The charging capacity -- The higher the charger amperage, the faster the battery will charge.

• | The state-of-charge -- A completely discharged battery requires more than twice as much charge time as a half charged battery. Because the electrolyte is nearly pure water and a poor conductor in a completely discharged battery, the battery accepts very low current at first. Later, as the charging current causes the electrolyte acid content to increase, the charging current also increases.

### Battery Charging Preliminary Inspections

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- Batteries showing a green dot in the hydrometer (A) do not need to be charged unless they have just been discharged (such as extended engine cranking).

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- Batteries showing a black or dark dot in the hydrometer (B) can be charged.

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- A clear or light yellow hydrometer indicates low electrolyte level in the battery (C). Refer to Battery Hydrometer Displays Yellow Dot .

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- Do NOT charge a battery that is frozen. Replace any frozen battery. Refer to Battery Replacement .

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- To keep charge time to a minimum, use a charger capable of an end voltage of at least 16 V and equipped with a voltmeter that is accurate to within 1 percent.

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- The ambient temperature should be 15-38°C (60-100°F). A battery that is extremely cold will not accept measurable current for several hours after starting the charger.

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- Ensure that the charging area has proper ventilation.

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- Ensure that the battery terminals are clean and tight. Refer to Battery Terminal Check .

### Charging the Battery in the Vehicle

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

• | Turn off the battery charger.

• | Connect the battery charger positive lead to the battery positive terminal.

• | Connect the battery charger negative lead to a solid engine ground.

| Notice: Do not use boost, jump start, crank, or equivalent setting for prolonged charging of batteries. Undesirable and potentially dangerous spewing of gases or electrolyte through the vent holes may occur.

• | Turn the battery charger on. A 40-50 ampere charging level is recommended for a discharged battery.

• | Inspect the battery every 30 minutes and perform the following inspections:

• | If the battery feels hot, 52°C (125°F), or if gassing or spewing of the electrolyte through the battery vent holes occurs, discontinue charging the battery or reduce the charging rate in order to eliminate the battery gassing or electrolyte from spewing.

• | Tap the hydrometer lightly to dislodge any air bubbles which may cause a false hydrometer reading.

• | Stop charging the battery within one hour after the green dot appears in the hydrometer.

• | Test the battery. Refer to Battery Check .

### Charging the Battery out of the Vehicle

#### Tools Required

GM P/N 12303040 (ST 1201) Battery Side Terminal Adapters

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

1. Install the GM P/N 12303040 to the battery terminals.
2. Connect the battery charger positive lead to the battery positive terminal.
3. Connect the battery charger negative lead to the battery ground (negative) terminal.

Notice: Do not use boost, jump start, crank, or equivalent setting for prolonged charging of batteries. Undesirable and potentially dangerous spewing of gases or electrolyte through the vent holes may occur.

4. Turn the battery charger on. A 40-50 ampere charging level is recommended for a discharged battery.
5. Inspect the battery every 30 minutes and perform the following inspections:

• | If the battery feels hot, 52°C (125°F), or if gassing or spewing of the electrolyte through the battery vent holes occurs, discontinue charging the battery or reduce the charging rate in order to eliminate the battery gassing or electrolyte from spewing.

• | Tap the hydrometer lightly to dislodge any air bubbles which may cause a false hydrometer reading.

• | Stop charging the battery within one hour after the green dot appears in the hydrometer.

6. Test the battery. Refer to Battery Check .