Battery Charging Problem

[Flavor 987S]

Originally Posted by Kerry

noob question......isn't the OEM battery on my '07 sealed? How do I check the electrolyte level and top off with distilled water if necessary? Thanks!

Not sealed. Just low maintenance. You have to "cut or break" through the black label on top, to access the 6-8 plastic screw caps. I forget how many cells there are. You can see the level on the sides, or look down the open hole. You'd be surprised how much distilled water these can take to top off when low!

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by Flavor 987S

Not sealed. Just low maintenance. You have to "cut or break" through the black label on top, to access the 6-8 plastic screw caps. I forget how many cells there are. You can see the level on the sides, or look down the open hole. You'd be surprised how much distilled water these can take to top off when low!

Just peel the label at one of the corners to expose the six plugs, inside you will see a "small metal strip" that serves as a lever gauge, just cover the small 'leg' of the metal piece with distilled water. sounds confusing but it's pretty obvious once you look inside, just be careful and wear eye protection because you may get some splash back from the cell

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[Kerry]

Thank you Flavor 987S and Gilles. The level was very low and I filled it to just over the "leg". I don't expect the battery to last forever, but perhaps I can get aat least through the summer before replacement.

[Flavor 987S]

Originally Posted by Kerry

Thank you Flavor 987S and Gilles. The level was very low and I filled it to just over the "leg". I don't expect the battery to last forever, but perhaps I can get aat least through the summer before replacement.

Are you using a battery maintainer? Not a charger.....a maintainer?

[Kerry]

I have not been using a maintainer, as I usually drive the care year 'round. I have been traveling too much this winter on business and have not put many miles on the car since December, so in retrospect I should have been using one. Would you recommend a CTEK? Where's the best place to buy one, either OTC or mail order?

[clickman]

There are lots of threads on battery maintainers. The Search function is great.