General Information

General Information

NOTE:
Several different types of battery may be installed on New Beetle vehicles. Each requires specific servicing.
- Batteries with charge indicator ("magic eye"), and foil sealed cell caps.
- Batteries with charge indicator ("magic eye"), without cell caps.
- Batteries without charge indicator.
- For identification purposes, the following battery type definitions establish the technical differences between the various installed battery types.

Battery type definitions
- Low Maintenance Batteries: Lead-antimony coated electrodes (plates). With or without charge indicator. Electrolyte filling caps accessible.
- Maintenance Free Batteries: Lead-Calcium coated electrodes (plates). With charge indicator. Electrolyte filling caps not accessible.

NOTE: The following sequence of battery repair and servicing information/documentation is the most up-to-date available, and allows for quick servicing and checking of the various battery types installed. Use the quick check processes per battery type defined below using all specified special tools and equipment, then refer to the detailed battery servicing subjects that follow.

Quick check
- Batteries with charge indicator: Visual check of battery housing, poles and terminals. Visual check of electrolyte level and charge indicator (confirms electrolyte specific gravity and charge condition). Perform battery load test if necessary.
- Batteries without charge indicator: Visual check of battery housing, poles and terminals. Visual check of electrolyte level. Check electrolyte specific gravity with appropriate tester. Perform battery load test if necessary.

Battery technologies
The battery is one of the most important electrical components in the modern automobile. A battery that provides trouble-free service has a great influence on customer satisfaction. To ensure trouble-free service and optimum service life, batteries must be checked, serviced and maintained as per the instructions.

Apart from starting the engine, the battery has other tasks. It acts as a buffer and also supplies electrical energy to the complete vehicle electrical system. In addition, the cyclical and capacity demands on the battery have increased due to additional safety and convenience features (electrical consumers) being installed.

A new generation of maintenance free batteries uses physically and constructively optimized, lead-calcium coated positive electrodes. Advantages include minimal electrolyte consumption and servicing requirements, as well as improved charge stability over a longer period of time. Simplified checking of these batteries is also achieved with the charge indicator ("magic eye"). Maintenance free batteries with charge indicator, checking.