Electrical System Maintenance of Volvo Engine

Electrical System Maintenance of Volvo Engine

Electrical System

The engine is equipped with a 2-pole electrical system and an alternator. System voltage is 24V.

WARNING!

Always stop the Volvo engine and break the current using the main switches before working on the engine.

Main switch

IMPORTANT!

Never disconnect the current with the main switches when the engine is running, the alternator and electronics could be damaged. The main switches must never be switched off before the engine has stopped. If the circuit between the alternator and the battery is disconnected when the engine is running, the alternator and electronics can be damaged. For the same reason the charging circuits must never be re-connected with the engine running.

Fuses

The engine is equipped with a 10 A circuit breaker which cuts the current if overloaded.

The circuit breaker is located on the left-hand side of the Volvo engine Location of Sensors.

The engine stops if the fuse trips. If the circuit breaker trips frequently, an authorized Volvo Penta workshop should be contacted to investigate the cause of the overload.

Electrical Connections

Check that electrical connections are dry, free from oxide, and that they are securely tightened.

Battery, Maintenance

WARNING!

Risk of fire and explosion. Never allow an open flame or electric sparks near the battery or batteries.

WARNING!

Never confuse the positive and negative poles on the batteries. Risk of arcing and explosion.

WARNING!

The battery electrolyte contains extremely corrosive sulfuric acid. Protect your skin and clothes when charging or handling batteries. Always use protective goggles and gloves. If battery electrolyte comes into contact with unprotected skin wash off immediately using plenty of water and soap. If battery acid comes in contact with the eyes, flush immediately with plenty of water and obtain medical assistance without delay.

Connecting and disconnecting the battery

Connecting

1 Connect the + cable (red) to the + pole on the battery.

2 Connect the – cable (black) to the – pole on the battery.

Disconnecting

1 Remove the – cable (black).

2 Remove the + cable (red).

Cleaning

Keep the batteries clean and dry. Contamination and oxide on the batteries and battery poles can cause stray currents, voltage drop and discharge, especially in wet weather. Remove oxidation from the battery poles and terminals, using a brass brush. Tighten the terminals securely and grease them with terminal grease or petroleum jelly.

Filling

The electrolyte level should be 5–10 mm (0.2– 0.4”) above the cell plates in the battery. Top up with distilled water as required. After filling, the battery should be charged for at least 30 minutes by running the engine at idle. Some maintenance-free batteries have special instructions, which must be followed.

Battery, Charging

WARNING!

Risk of fire and explosion. Never allow an open flame or electric sparks near the battery or batteries.

WARNING!

The battery electrolyte contains extremely corrosive sulfuric acid. Protect your skin and clothes when charging or handling batteries. Always use protective goggles and gloves. If battery electrolyte comes into contact with unprotected skin wash off immediately using plenty of water and soap. If battery acid comes in contact with the eyes, flush immediately with plenty of water and obtain medical assistance without delay.

IMPORTANT!

Observe the instruction manual for the battery charger carefully. To avoid the risk of electrochemical corrosion when an external charger is connected, the battery cables should be removed from the batteries before the charger is connected. Always switch off the charging current before the charging clips are removed.

• Charge batteries if they have become discharged. During charging, unscrew the cell plugs but leave them in the plug holes. Ventilate well, especially if the batteries are charged in an enclosed space.

• If the engine is not used for a longer period of time, the batteries should be fully charged, then possibly trickle charged. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations). Batteries are damaged by being left discharged, and can also freeze and burst more easily in cold weather.

•Special instructions apply to boost charging. Boost charging can shorten battery life, and should therefore be avoided.