Checking the electrolyte level in the battery (Mondeo 3)

Your Mondeo leaves the factory with a maintenance-free lead-calcium (Ca) battery. Its service life depends greatly on operating conditions: any cold start, predominantly short-distance driving with many stops at traffic lights, as well as driving in stop-and-go mode, any additional consumer (air conditioning, heated front and rear windows, interior ventilation, headlights, etc.) affect the electric battery more than regular long-distance trips. But still, new batteries can last from two to three years. If you must equip your Mondeo with a new battery, Ford prescribes the use of a Ca battery. If you still decide to go with a cheaper spare battery with serviceable elements, you should check the battery electrolyte from time to time. The electrolyte is sulfuric acid diluted with distilled water.

High ambient temperatures or a faulty voltage regulator disturb this mixture from its equilibrium state – water evaporates. When standing for a long time, the battery automatically self-discharges. This can also lead to a "lack of water", as can a deep discharge of an external current consumer (for example, a cooling unit in a cigarette lighter). Top up the required volume only with distilled water – tap water, like boiled water, contains conductive salts and other minerals that have a negative effect on the battery. In "service-friendly" batteries, the "evaporated" water condenses in the pipe labyrinth above the cells and remains in the battery.

ORDER OF EXECUTION

The electrolyte level in the case should reach at least the "MIN" mark (the plates should be well recessed). You can add small amounts of acid by unscrewing or bending the stopper on top of the battery cover. Bring the missing volume of the charged battery up to the upper line (approximately 15 mm above the plates) using distilled water. If the battery is very discharged, top it up until the plates are covered – the acid level increases during the charging process. If necessary, top up the missing volume to the "MAX" mark. Never overfill the battery - because acid will leak out of the stopper plug or side vents. This will lead to "blooming" corrosion and the formation of white acid crystals both on the surface of the battery and near its location. Using a brass brush, carefully remove the crystals and then wash off this "dirt" with plenty of water. In this case, do not forget to disconnect terminal 31 (minus pole) of the battery.

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