What are the car battery charge indicators? We make a battery voltage indicator ourselves: high quality at minimal cost What does the indicator on the battery show?

What are the car battery charge indicators? We make a battery voltage indicator ourselves: high quality at minimal cost What does the indicator on the battery show?

06.10.2023

Modern batteries have a charge indicator. This is a convenient thing; previously batteries were not equipped with it. Almost every modern http://akym.com.ua/ is equipped with such an indicator. When charging a battery, the density of the electrolyte near the electrodes increases. We would like to note that the indicator’s reaction to the density of the electrolyte above the electrodes may be erroneous. You can find out the current assessment of the battery condition by using a tester. May it always be at your fingertips. It is best if the indicator is displayed directly into the car interior.

The indicator has a peephole. The green color of the indicator will tell you that the battery is working and fully charged. Everything is in order - you can safely go on a long journey, turn on the car radio and air conditioning. If the indicator is black, this means that the battery needs to be recharged; its charge is less than 65%. If the color is yellow or colorless, this means that the charge level is critically low and the electrolyte needs to be replaced. This often happens when the battery was purchased a long time ago.

The charge indicator is designed to make it much easier for the driver to operate the vehicle. It happens, however, that the green indicator lights up even when the battery is not fully charged, but only 60%. The indicator may turn black if the electrolyte density decreases. Remember also, if the indicator is white, do not use the battery! It becomes explosive as a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen begins to accumulate under the lid. Check the charge level using devices, this will not be superfluous. There is a situation when the cells have minor defects. In this case, you should not pay much attention to the indicator readings. It's strange if you use the battery for a long time, about a year, and it's still green. The indicator can only give a rough estimate of the charge level. Only some indicators have a scale that shows in sufficient detail how much charge is left. Some of these indicators are placed inside the car.

If your battery drains very quickly, look for the reason that the wires are frayed or the terminals are poorly connected. It is important to pay special attention to batteries whose service life has already exceeded 2-3 years. That's all it is important to know about charge indicators. They can make your life easier, but don’t forget about regular inspections of your four-wheeled friend. Always have an ammeter and a voltmeter in your garage. Only with the help of instruments can you accurately determine the state of voltage and current strength.

To make it easier to visually determine the operating condition of the battery, there are special indicators on it. (By the way, the appearance of the indicator is somewhat similar to a hydrometer). The indicator displays the state inside the container in one of three colors: green – everything is fine, black – urgently charge, white – “Bobby is dead”. Everything seems to be in order: after all, convenience is obvious! By the way, in the past it was necessary to unscrew the caps of “cans” quite often in order to see the condition inside the container. Today everything is much simpler. But many car owners have one question: how accurate is the “diagnosis” of the indicator? Could he be wrong? Well, let's watch. So!

Unfortunately, the indicator cannot accurately display the full depth of the battery condition. Example: you see your indicator - it shows green. Everything seems to be fine, right? But there is a nuance: your indicator will be green both at a charge level of 100% and at 60%. Did you feel the difference? 40% difference is a bit much, but the indicator is in no hurry to tell you about it. On the one hand, there is nothing strange here, since even with such a charge, your car will start normally. True, only in very warm seasons. What if it’s winter outside? Does the indicator show that everything is ok? Did you know that in winter the engine may not start even with a 75% battery charge - where does 60% compare? It turns out to be a paradox: even a half-dead battery will show that everything is in order. But this would not be so bad if it were not for such a thing as cranking at startup: even an experienced “driver” does not always understand that cranking is a consequence of insufficient battery power and often mistakes it for a defective starter.

As a matter of fact, if you simply take into account such points as the density of the electrolyte and the air temperature, then we can say the following: the indicator is not an accurate indicator of the actual state of the battery capacity! What do density and temperature have to do with it? And despite the fact that the density of the electrolyte decreases depending on the air temperature!

However, if your indicator shows you a “white card” (that is, white), then further use of the battery should be stopped immediately! Why? The battery can explode, and in the most literal sense of the word. An explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen forms in the container of a “dead” battery. The slightest spark and - “momento more” (instantly in the sea).

Finally, one more point: the indicator shows the status of only one battery cell – in which it is built! Thus, this is another factor that indicates the failure of this “device”.

In general, comrades, an indicator is an indicator, but it is better to use proven methods of checking the battery - with special devices. But more on this in the next article. Good luck!

Most modern car batteries from manufacturers are equipped with built-in battery charge indicator eyes. You can also purchase a battery in which the peephole is not built-in, but removable and screwed in instead of one of the six plugs. Some motorists believe that there is a light bulb installed there, but they are mistaken. The principle of the car battery eye is more like a float that shows 3 battery states. Let's look at each one separately.

Battery eye green

This indicator color indicates that the battery is OK. The density of the electrolyte is higher than 12.5, so the lighter indicator ball, which is green, fits closely to the eye.

Indicator eye red

The red color of the battery charge indicator means that the density of the battery has dropped below 12.5, the indicator ball has sunk in the electrolyte and the electrolyte allows the red color to pass through the eye, which is located at the bottom of the indicator.

Indicator eye white or black

Typically, these colors mean that the ball is at the very bottom of the indicator due to low electrolyte levels. And since the indicator itself is located outside the electrolyte (which is a light conductor for the indicator), you cannot see the red color of the bottom of the indicator.

Please note that some battery manufacturers have a different color indicator from the examples given in the article. For example, for Aktech and Zver batteries, a red indicator indicates a low electrolyte level, and a black indicator indicates a low battery discharge.

All about batteries

A battery is a chemical source of current, for which certain chemical processes must occur to function properly. As the battery discharges, sulfuric acid “sticks” to the negative electrode, forming insoluble lead sulfate, leaving

Very often you can hear recommendations about hybrid batteries from salespeople in car dealerships. So what is a hybrid battery? A hybrid battery for a car is externally indistinguishable from other acid batteries, except for the ethical designation

Every motorist sooner or later becomes interested in the design of a car battery and the principle of its operation. A car battery serves as the heart of any modern car - thanks to it we start the engine, listen to music in the car.


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Some batteries (usually above average quality) have a green indicator on the top (front), right, or left (some call it a light). This "eye" gives you an idea of ​​the charge or discharge of your battery. It has three main positions in total, and it does not always glow green. Today I will tell you in detail what it is and why it was created. We’ll also look at why it might not burn at all...


To be honest, this indicator was created only to signal you about your battery, because as a rule, their design is not collapsible, and therefore you cannot climb inside and see what is with the electrolyte - just look at its level or measure its density. Therefore, such a “light bulb” gives you a complete idea by which you can make this or that decision. However, the indicator may not always light green; as a rule, three modes are used here.

Indicator modes

The following combination is very common: green, white, black. However, some manufacturers use the following combination: green, white, red. But essentially it's the same thing. Let's go through these readings.

Green mode – fully charged battery, can be used in normal operating mode. That is, charging is not needed.

White indicator - he tells us about low electrolyte levels. This also happens in unattended ones; most likely, the battery was often recharged, and gaseous electrolyte was released through a special valve. You need to disassemble and add distilled water.

Black or red indicator - this tells us that our battery is discharged, and the indicator is critical; mandatory recharging is required! It is important! If the battery is left uncharged for a long time, it may fail.

As you can see, these colors give certain signals to the owner, look occasionally and then your battery will last a long time. I also want to note that this indicator does not have any light bulbs in its structure, the next point will change your understanding...

About a light bulb - not a light bulb

I wanted to write this information at the top, but it creates more intrigue. In the structure of this sensor, no light bulbs are used at all - neither ordinary incandescent (low-current) - as many people think, nor LED, nor anything else.

The structure is different here . In fact, this is an ordinary hydrometer, only built into the battery case. It automatically measures the density of the electrolyte, and at different values ​​it pops up - one or another ball, which is projected through a magnifying glass tube and a magnifying glass into a special window. It should be noted that the balls float up as if along special grooves, which are made in the shape of a pyramid - this is important! REMEMBER!

If the battery is charged, a green ball floats up and you see it in the window. If it is discharged, then either red or nothing at all floats in, so you see blackness. But if there is no electrolyte, then the end of the pyramid seems to be exposed - you see its end in the window, many people confuse it with white.

The use of electrics in a battery would not be justified - even if the light bulb were low-voltage, it would still suck some of the energy from the battery (and in winter this is oh so unnecessary). YES, and if it burns out, the owner will start to get nervous.

Now a detailed video, maybe someone didn’t understand about the pyramid...

Why doesn't it light up even after being fully charged?

A very common question, many still think that this is a light bulb and after charging it should light up! As we have already made clear, this is not at all true. And it is quite possible that when fully charged the green indicator will not come out! WHY?

YES it's simple:

  • The green ball can simply “stick” on these “small runners”. Just shake the battery and it will take its place. This happens very often.
  • Dirt from the plates gets in, over time the plates begin to crumble, the electrolyte becomes cloudy, it has particles of lead, so it prevents the indicator from transmitting information normally.
  • The battery really failed, this also cannot be ruled out, even with long-term charging it does not gain density.

Is it possible to remove this indicator?

On most batteries, yes, this window can be unscrewed, similar to a cork - but it will have to be twisted with force, it can even be broken; my friends unscrewed it using pliers with thin ends, and small “holes” were made in the window for engagement. In general, it’s a “collective farm”, but theoretically it’s possible to remove it! It is also worth remembering that if you unscrew it, then the airless space inside has been violated, and it is quite possible that a gaseous composition will come out - “explosive gas” or “HHO”. Then you will need to add distilled water. So always think, do you need to disassemble the battery?

Actually, I’m finishing the article, the information is clear and to the point, I think it was useful to you, read our AUTOBLOG.

What are the car battery charge indicators?

The battery plays a key role in starting a car engine. And how successful this launch will be largely depends on the state of charge of the battery. How many of us monitor the battery charge level? It’s called, answer this question for yourself. Therefore, there is a high probability that one day you will not start your car due to a dead battery. Actually, checking the state of charge itself is not difficult. You just need to periodically measure with a multimeter or voltmeter. But it would be much more convenient to have a simple indicator showing the battery charge status. Such indicators will be discussed in this material.

Technology does not stand still and automotive manufacturers are trying their best to make car travel and maintenance as comfortable as possible. Therefore, on modern cars, in the on-board computer, among other functions, you can find data on the battery voltage. But not all cars have such capabilities. Older cars may have an analog voltmeter, which makes it quite difficult to understand the condition of the battery. For beginners in the automotive business, we advise you to read the material about.


Therefore, all kinds of battery charge indicators began to appear. They began to be made both on batteries in the form of hydrometers and additional information displays on the car.

Such charge indicators are also produced by third-party manufacturers. They are quite easy to place somewhere in the cabin and connect to the on-board network. In addition, on the Internet there are simple schemes for making charge indicators with your own hands.

Built-in battery charge indicator

Built-in charge indicators can be found mainly on. This is a float indicator, which is also called a hydrometer. Let's see what it consists of and how it works. In the photo below you can see how this indicator looks on the battery case.



And this is what it looks like when you take it out of the battery.

The structure of the built-in battery indicator can be schematically represented as follows.

The operating principle of most hydrometers is as follows. The indicator can show three different positions in the following situations:

  • As the battery charges, the density of the electrolyte increases. In this case, a float in the shape of a green ball rises up the tube and becomes visible through the light guide into the indicator eye. Typically, the green ball floats up when the battery charge level is 65 percent or higher;
  • If the ball sinks in the electrolyte, it means the density is below normal and the battery charge is insufficient. At this moment, a black indicator tube will be visible through the “eye” of the indicator. This will indicate the need to charge. Some models add a red ball that rises up the tube at a reduced density. Then the “eye” of the indicator will be red;
  • And another option is to lower the electrolyte level. Then the surface of the electrolyte will be visible through the “eye” of the indicator. This will indicate the need to add distilled water. However, in the case of a maintenance-free battery, this will be problematic.





This built-in indicator allows you to make a preliminary assessment of the battery charge level. You should not rely entirely on the hydrometer readings. If you read numerous reviews about the operation of these devices, it becomes clear that they often show inaccurate data and quickly fail. And there are several reasons for this:

  • The indicator is installed in only one of the six battery cells. This means that you will have data on density and degree of charge for only one jar. Since there is no communication between them, one can only guess about the situation in other banks. For example, in this cell the electrolyte level may be normal, but in some others it may be insufficient. After all, the evaporation of water from the electrolyte differs among the banks (in the extreme banks this process is more intense);
  • The indicator is made of glass and plastic. Plastic parts may warp when heated or cooled. As a result, you will see distorted data;
  • The density of the electrolyte depends on its temperature. The hydrometer does not take this into account in its readings. For example, on a cold electrolyte it may show normal density, although it is reduced.

Factory battery charge indicators

Today on sale you can find quite interesting devices for monitoring the battery charge level by its voltage. Let's look at some of them.

Battery charge level indicator DC-12 V

This device is sold as a construction kit. It is suitable for those who are familiar with electrical engineering and a soldering iron.

The DC-12 V indicator allows you to check the charge of the car battery and the functioning of the relay regulator. The indicator is sold as a set of spare parts and can be assembled independently. The cost of a DC-12 V device is 300-400 rubles.

Main characteristics of the DC-12 V indicator:

  • Voltage range: 2.5─18 volts;
  • Maximum current consumption: up to 20 mA;
  • Dimensions of the printed circuit board: 43 by 20 millimeters.


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