Generators & Regulators: Description: Battery

The terminal voltage of the battery is 12V and its capacity is 60 Ah or 70 Ah depending on the engine variant. The battery delivers current to the starter motor for starting the engine and supplies other power consumers with current while the engine is not running. The positive battery terminal is connected to the starter motor and to the main fuse box in the engine bay and its negative terminal is connected to the body and the engine.

On cars with petrol engine, there is a battery isolator at the battery positive terminal. The airbag control module shuts off the battery power to the starter motor and generator on collision.

The battery is located to the left of the engine bay and is covered by a battery cover to reduce heating. An air duct draws in air via the car grille. The air from the duct passes through the battery cover and cools the battery. The battery electrolyte cannot be topped up.

The battery electrolyte level is indicated by an indicator point on the top of the battery. If the indicator is dark, the level is OK. On low level the indicator is light and the battery should be changed.