Volkswagen Transporter 1990-2003: Diagnostics of battery malfunctions (Electrical equipment / Power devices)

Cause	Elimination Method
Electrolyte level too low
Recharge. Evaporation (especially in summer)	Top up with distilled water, bring the electrolyte level to the prescribed (with a charged battery)
Electrolyte is leaking from plugs
Charging voltage too high	Check voltage regulator, replace if necessary
Electrolyte level too high	Suck off excess electrolyte with a pear
Electrolyte density too low
The density of the electrolyte in one bank is much less than in other banks	Short circuit in one bank
The density of the electrolyte in two adjacent banks is much less than in the rest	The separating wall is not airtight, so there is conduction between the banks, as a result of which they both are discharged. Replace battery
The battery is empty	Charge the battery
Faulty generator	Check alternator, repair or replace if necessary
Short circuit in wiring	Check electrical system
The electrolyte, due to improper maintenance, is too diluted with water	Perform electrolyte density alignment
Electrolyte density is too high
Added electrolyte	Equalize the density of the electrolyte
The output power is too low, the voltage drops too much
The battery is empty	Recharge the battery
Charging voltage too low	Check voltage regulator, replace if necessary
Connecting terminals loose or oxidized	Clean the connecting terminals and, especially the underside, lubricate with a light layer of technical vaseline. Tighten the fastening screws
Poor ground connection: battery-engine-body	Check the ground connection, if necessary, restore the metal contact and tighten the screws
The self-discharge of the battery is too high, as a result of electrolyte contamination	Replace battery
Possible battery sulphation (gray-white plaque on the plus and minus plates)	Charge the battery with low currents to remove plaque. If the power output is still low after repeated charging and discharging, replace the battery
The battery is worn out, shedding of the active mass of the plates	Replace battery
Insufficient battery charging
Faulty alternator, voltage regulator or wiring connections	Check generator and voltage regulator, repair or replace; fix conductors
Loose V-belt	Tension V-belt or replace
Too many consumers connected	Install a more powerful battery, if possible, install a new generator
Permanent recharge
Faulty voltage regulator, possibly alternator	Replace voltage regulator, check alternator

Diagnostics of battery malfunctions

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