Volvo 164 Instruction Book - page 46
SERVICING
31 Check the state of charge of the battery
The state of charge of the battery should
be checked after every 10 000 km (6000
miles). The check is made with the left of
an hydrometer which shows the specific
gravity of the battery acid (this varies
with the state of charge of the battery).
See page 58. At the same time, check also
the lead terminals and terminal studs to
make sure that they are tight, smeared
with rustproofing and that the battery is
firmly fixed. If necessary, wipe the lead
terminals and terminal studs clean with a
cloth or brush them with a wire brush and
re-grease them.
32 Check headlight alignment
The alignment of the headlights should be
checked in a workshop after every 10 000
km (6000 miles). Remember that the sec-
tion of the road lit up by the headlights
can vary according to the load in the ve-
hicle.
This car is fitted with an alternator.
When changing the battery or when
carrying out work involving the elec-
trical system, the following should
be observed:
1. A battery connection to the wrong
terminal will damage the rectifiers.
Before the connections are made,
check the polarity of the battery with
a voltmeter.
2. If extra batteries are used for
starting, they must be properly con-
nected to prevent the rectifiers from
being damaged.
The negative lead from the auxiliary
battery for starting must be connec-
ted to the negative terminal stud of
the car battery and the positive lead
from the auxiliary battery for starting
to the positive terminal stud.
3. If a rapid charger is used for
charging the battery, the car battery
l eads should be disconnected.
The rapid charger must never be
used as an auxiliary unit for starting.
4. Never disconnect the battery
circuit (for example, to change the
battery) while the engine is running,
as this will immediately ruin the al-
ternator.
Always make sure that all the batte-
ry,connections are properly tighten-
ed.
5. Before carrying out any electrical
welding on the car, first disconnect
the battery earth lead and all the
cables to the alternator and voltage
regulator. Make sure that the ends
of the loose cables do not earth
against the car framework. Insulate
well if necessary.
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