Visual Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Volkswagen Passat, 2014 Volkswagen Passat, 2013 Volkswagen Passat, and 2012 Volkswagen Passat. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

Risk of injury. Follow all Warnings and Safety Precautions, refer to WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .

Prior to performing any measurements or tests, perform a visual check of the battery condition, battery terminals and secure mounting of battery.

NOTE:

For each vehicle, refer to for information regarding the battery.

CAUTION:

An improperly secured battery can lead to damage.
Excessive vibration due to an improperly secured battery will reduce the battery service life, and the battery hold-down bracket could damage the battery housing and lead to electrolyte leakage.
Check the battery for secure fitting, if necessary tighten the mounting bolt to the tightening specification.

By performing visual inspection, it can be determined:

If the battery case is damaged. Acid can leak out if the case is damaged. Battery acid that has leaked out can cause severe damage to the vehicle. Acid that has leaked onto any part of the vehicle should be immediately treated with acid neutralizer or soap solution.
If the battery terminals (battery wiring connections) are damaged. If the battery terminals are damaged, contact with battery terminals clamps cannot be guaranteed. When connecting the battery pole shoes, keep in mind that the tightening specification from the "Electrical Equipment" repair information for the corresponding vehicle is used. If the battery post clamps are not correctly installed and secured, the wiring may burn. Substantial malfunctions to the electrical system are a consequence. Safe operation of the vehicle can no longer be guaranteed.