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Home >> Saab >> 2003 >> 9-3 Vector, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Electrical >> Charging Systems >> Charging System (9400) >> Adjustment - Replacement >> Battery Charging
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Battery Charging

IMPORTANT: An auxiliary starting system must not be used as this could damage the electronics of the car.
To start the car when the battery is discharged, use a booster battery or another car and jumper cables.
  1. Measure the specific gravity of the battery acid. In a fully charged battery it should be 1.28. A specific gravity of 1.21 corresponds to a 50% charge.

    In the normal case the battery can be charged with a conventional battery charger.

  2. For boost-charging, the battery's negative terminal must be disconnected and the water refill plugs should be removed.
    Fig 1: Removing Water Refill Plugs
    G03528754Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.

    During boost-charging, the charging current should not exceed 40 A. Max. charge time 1.5 hours.

    Fig 2: Battery Boost Charging Current Should Not Exceed 40 A. Max. Charge Time 1.5 Hours
    G03528755Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.
    IMPORTANT: Do not boost-charge a battery if the voltage is below 12V or if the battery is more than two years old.
  3. If the battery has been run flat, because a lamp or other consumer was left on, a weak starting charge is required to initiate the chemical process in the battery. In such cases, start with a charge current of about 3 A (it must not exceed 5 A) for 24 hours or until the charge current has fallen to its lowest steady value.
    Fig 3: Battery Boost Charging For About 3 A (It Must Not Exceed 5 A) For 24 Hours
    G03528756Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.

    The battery begins to give off gas at 14.4V.

    In the above case, a battery charger with a pulsating charging current should be used for preference.