8.5. Faults and remedies
Fault observed Probable origin Measures or observations
The acid heats up when a new battery is
filled
- Incorrect composition
- Incorrect storage
- Prolonged storage in a damp place
- Cool
- Charge
- Check the acid density
The acid escapes through the filler holes - Battery overflow during filling - Reduce the battery fluid level
Acid level too low - Battery tray not leaktight
- Significant gas formation caused by
too high a charging voltage
- Replace the battery
- Check the charger and repair if
necessary.
Acid level too low
Incorrect operation from start-up
- Insufficient charge
- Short circuit in the current circuit
- Consumption fault
- Recharge
- Check the electrical installation
Acid density too high - The battery has been filled with acid
instead of water
- Reduce the acid level and fill with
distilled water. Repeat the operation if
need be.
Starting problems
Starting test incorrect
- Battery empty
- Battery used up or faulty
- Capacity too low
- Battery sulphated
- Recharge the battery
- Fit a new battery
Battery terminals melted - Incorrect electrical connection
- Incorrect battery wiring
- Tighten the ends of the battery cables,
or replace them if necessary
One or two cells release a lot of gas at
high charge
- Cell(s) faulty - Fit a new battery
The battery discharges very quickly - Charge status too low
- Short circuit in the current circuit
- High self-discharge (for example:
through electrolyte contamination)
- Sulphation (storage of discharged
battery)
- Check the charge
- Replace the battery
Short service life - Incorrect battery part no.
- Too many repeated deep discharges
- Battery stored too long without charge
- Define the correct battery part no. for
the recommended use
- Think about charging the battery using
a regulator
High water consumption - Overload
- Charging voltage too high
- Check the charger (voltage regulator)
The battery explodes - Spark after battery charging
- Short circuit
- Connection or disconnection during
charging
- Internal fault (for example:
interruption) and low electrolyte level
- Replace the battery (beware of fire
and sparks)
- Ensure there is sufficient ventilation