Opel Astra G - fuses and relays

Opel Astra H is a representative of the third generation of a mid-price class car. The car first came off the assembly line in mass production in 2004 and its production continued until 2009. The car, like many other foreign cars, was also produced in Russia in the city of Kaliningrad. It was also deployed in St. Petersburg.

This car is the successor to the previously known Opel Astra G. If you look at the chronological series, this car takes 8th place in the entire Astra line. Opel was produced in different body types: 3- and 5-door hatchback, station wagon and sedan, but on the Russian market it was seen only in station wagon and hatchback.

In the short 5 years of its production, the car underwent only 1 restyling, immediately after which a new version of the Astra GTC was released. Its features were that it was equipped with a more powerful turbocharged engine, plus a sports body kit was also used. Simultaneously with the GTC, the HSCV VRX version appeared on the market. This car has a leather interior, climate control, and an updated media system.

The car has high crash test scores, proving its ability to protect passengers, children and pedestrians.

Over the 5 years of active production, power units of the following modifications were installed on this machine:

How to understand that it’s time to change the Opel Astra H battery

You should consider replacing if:

• the car starts, the starter spins longer than usual;
• the light burns brighter when you press the gas pedal;
• after the car starts, all the backlight fades for a few seconds and then lights up as usual;
• The battery icon is lit on the instrument panel.

Also, if the electricity storage device has already been discharged at least once, then its capacity will no longer be the same, and it will gradually lose its performance characteristics.

Main reasons

The main reasons for the lack of indication of the battery charge indicator light when the ignition is turned on (the engine is not running)

The battery charge lamp should be indicated immediately after the vehicle ignition is turned on. This mode is provided to monitor the health of the light bulb (or LED) itself, as well as to control the voltage supply to the generator and instrument panel. If the light does not light up when the ignition is turned on (with the engine not running), the following malfunctions are possible:

• burnout of the incandescent indicator light,
• failure in the instrument panel power supply circuit,
• blown fuse serving the generator,
• poor fastening, burning or oxidation of battery terminals,
• indicator panel fuse malfunction,
• “poor ground” of the engine or connection of the negative terminal of the battery to the body.
• broken contacts of electrical wiring connectors.

Theoretically, it is possible that the battery charging system is operational and the battery will be charged while the engine is running. If you have a multimeter in your car repair kit, you can check the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running. If it is between 13 and 15 Volts, it means that the battery is charging.

You can drive such a car, but only to the place of proposed repair.

Reasons why the battery charge icon appears while the engine is running

The icon may light up in different ways while the engine is running. Depending on different situations, different reasons are suggested:

• The light comes on when the engine is idling. At the same time, it glows either dimly or brighter. It goes out completely while driving. This situation most likely occurs due to wear on the brushes. They are at a critical level of grinding. It is necessary to immediately replace them or change the voltage regulator assembly. Often such repairs can be performed without dismantling the generator.

This malfunction is also possible when the alternator belt is loose or some liquid gets on it. This may be accompanied by belt whistling. It can be cleaned with a non-aggressive solvent. The belt should also be tensioned using a special tensioner nut or another method. There are engine models in which tension is not provided. In this case, the belt must be replaced.

Sometimes the pulley in the generator is not clamped well; this should also be checked.

• The light came on while starting the first trip of the current day. In many cases, this may be due to poor connections between the battery terminals and the main terminal on the alternator. It is also possible that one of the fuses serving the charging system has blown. The main generator fuse is rated at 80 Amps. It is usually located in the engine compartment.

• Checking the fuse can be done visually, but it is better to use a multimeter, removing it from the connector.

It is also possible that the alternator belt may break. It is necessary to stop the car as quickly as possible, turn off the engine, and check the condition of the belt. Delay is dangerous if a broken belt hits the timing belt, hub, brake system, or CV joint, causing serious damage.

• The battery icon came on suddenly while driving. In some cars, the check light comes on at the same time. In this case, you should also stop the car and turn off the engine. It is necessary to put the car on the handbrake and install the appropriate markings on the highway. Next, you should check the condition of the belt. If it is tight, it is necessary to check the fuses serving the generator, the generator connectors, and the condition of the battery terminals. If you have a multimeter in your car, you should start the engine and check the battery charge. If the voltage at the battery terminals is less than 12 Volts, it is better to immediately go to the place of repair or parking.

Which battery to choose for Opel Astra H

Batteries can be divided into 3 types:

Be sure to check out:

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• serviced;
• low maintenance;
• unattended.

Their difference is clear from their names. Modern manufacturers often produce maintenance-free ones. But the most important thing in choosing is the characteristics.

The official characteristics put forward by Opel for batteries for Astra are as follows:

• type – European (T1);
• positive diameter – 19.5 mm, negative diameter – 17.9 mm, terminal height 18 mm;
• polarity – reverse;
• capacity – 60 A/h;
• starting current from 590 A to 630 A;
• height – 175 mm, length – 242 mm, width – 175 mm.

These characteristics apply to Asters of the H family with 1.8 and 1.6 liter petrol engines. It is better to be guided by these official characteristics from Opel, so the electricity storage device will last longer.

You can purchase a power supply with a capacity lower than required, but it will work much less and there will be problems with starting in winter.

A large capacity will also not bring benefits; due to constant undercharging, the plates in the battery will be sulfonated. And due to the increased starting current, the starter burns. And, of course, it is better to pay attention to which manufacturer and give preference to a prestigious one with a name.

Alternative battery option

The standard battery in a car lasts quite a long time, that is, it can easily work for 6 years or more, but this is only in moderate temperature conditions without sudden changes. For the northern regions of the Russian Federation, it is better to buy a battery for Opel Astra N 1.8 l and other sizes with a higher capacity and starting current.

But it is important not to confuse it with the dimensions, because a battery with a large starting current will also have large dimensions. For this vehicle, the source must not exceed the dimensions 278/175/175 mm. In this case, the battery must have reverse polarity and European type of plug-in terminals.

If you don’t know which battery to choose for an Opel Astra N when operating a car in our harsh conditions, contact the services of our experienced consultant. A specialist will help you understand the characteristics of the batteries and arrange its delivery if you install the source yourself.

We have selected for you the most suitable energy storage models for our climate, which can last at least 6 years, and in many situations even 7-8. Again, battery life depends on many factors that should be taken into account:

• intensity of car operation;
• driving in winter;
• the state of the charging circuits and all on-board electronics, that is, consumers;
• the presence of additional equipment, for example, halogen instead of LED in headlights or a powerful amplifier, often using a converter.

Therefore, when deciding to buy a battery for the Opel Astra N, consider these details. Also, do not forget about the size of the internal combustion engine. The larger it is, the higher the load on the battery and the greater the current at start.

Let's present the characteristics of the proposed alternative battery options in a table for easy comparison:

Looking through our analogues, you can see different ratings of inrush currents and capacities. Which battery for the Opel Astra 1.6 N should you buy from those suggested in the table? All manufacturers produce high-quality batteries that have proven themselves in various brands of cars. However, when choosing, it is necessary to take into account certain characteristics. For example, if the machine will be used in the southern part of the Russian Federation, then it is better to order one with a larger capacity.

If the car is mainly located in the northern regions of the country, then the best option would be the one with a higher starting current on a cold start. In both cases, an AFA battery is suitable, but Autopower, as practice shows, is more reliable and durable. This is also evidenced by its cost in relation to the first two.

Of course, this battery for the Opel Astra N is more expensive than the original, but it will still be an excellent replacement that will work on the car for more than 6 years. Since you are buying with a obviously higher starting current, it will last longer even at sub-zero temperatures.

What should be the charge?

When buying a new battery filled with electrolyte, it is important to check it inside and out. First, you need to remove all the film from it and make sure the body is intact. You should be extremely careful, because the electrolyte is an acid, and if it comes into contact with the skin it is not so scary. But if you wash it off with plenty of water and soap, your clothes will burn.

Then, it is recommended to take readings of what density the electrolyte has. It should not be lower than declared by more than 0.02 g/cm. This is about 80% battery charge. Then you should check the battery with a voltmeter. Without load the values ​​should be 12.5-12.9 V, under load it should not fall below 11 V for 10 seconds. If all readings are normal, then you can safely install such a part in your Opel.

Accumulator charging

If you need to charge the drive, it must be removed and connected to a special charger. The current on the charger should be selected based on 0.1 A of the capacity of the entire battery. For example, if the battery capacity is 55 A/h, then charging should be 5.5 A. Charging time is from 4.5 to 13 hours, depending on the condition. When fully charged, the electrolyte begins to boil away and gas evolution begins. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor, if the charger indicates full charging, then the procedure must be stopped.

How to remove and install the battery on an Opel Astra H

If you remove the battery, the Opel erases data from the memory of a number of electrical devices, such as the radio, power windows, and clocks. Errors are also erased from the computer's memory. Therefore, you should not be surprised if, after replacing the Astra battery, not a single error lights up on the dashboard.

1. First of all, you need to unscrew the nuts of the negative terminal, then the positive one. If you remove the terminals correctly, the risk of damaging the Astra's electronics is minimized.
2. Next, at the bottom left of the battery, if you stand facing the windshield, unscrew the nut of the bracket, which acts as a holder.

That's all, the battery can be removed, the new one is installed in the reverse order. Before installation, it is recommended to clean the terminals; you can use regular sandpaper for this. And after installation, coat it with a special lubricant.

After installation, you should re-configure Astra electrical appliances.

Removing and charging the Ford Focus 2 battery

Many Focus II owners have found themselves in a situation where the battery warning (indicator) is regularly displayed when the engine is running. This error indicates incorrect operation of the electrical equipment, in which the battery is no longer charged.

We will talk further about how to remove the Ford Focus II battery and fix the problem.

Interaction between battery and generator

When the engine starts, the battery loses some of its energy. When the vehicle is moving, the battery is constantly charged by the generator. If the engine speed increases, the voltage supplied by the generator also increases. To ensure that this characteristic is in the range from 13 to 14 V, the rotor excitation circuit has a special voltage relay.

Before looking for a battery fault, you need to understand the charging circuit, which includes 2 branches:

• The first unites the generator with the battery, and is also connected to the battery charging lamp through the ignition switch and fuse.
• The second combines a light bulb and a voltage regulator.

When the ignition key is turned, voltage is supplied through the fuse and generator to the indicator lamp. While the motor is not running, the generator does not generate electricity, and there is no voltage on the second branch of the circuit. The potential difference across the lamp contacts ensures that it lights up and eliminates any problems in the circuit.

When the engine starts, electricity is transferred from the generator to both contacts, potential equalization occurs and the indicator on the panel turns off. The first branch of the circuit is used to supply voltage directly to the battery, which allows you to replenish the charge.

Why is the battery light on?

In a situation where the engine of your Ford Focus II is started and the battery light is on, the battery is not charged. Before removing the Ford Focus 2 battery, let's consider possible problems:

• Damage, slipping or insufficient tension of the alternator belt;
• Malfunction or loss of fuse contact within the installation complex;
• Deterioration or oxidation of contacts on the battery or the generator itself;
• Damage or disruption of the wiring braid in the generator circuit;
• Damage to the stator or rotor braid;
• Brush life depletion or retention in holders;
• Worn collector contact rings;
• The problem is in the voltage relay;
• Insufficient ground contact.

What tools will you need?

If the battery icon is on, it’s time to remove the Ford Focus 2 battery. To do this, you will need some equipment:

• A set of screwdrivers with various cue balls;
• Multimeter;
• Knife;
• Pliers;
• 12V control;
• Fine grit sandpaper.

Finding the fault

If the check battery icon lights up and remains on when the engine is running, the first thing you need to do is test the charging. It is necessary to attach the contacts of the multimeter to the output terminals. If the battery works correctly and is fully charged, the device will display a voltage of 12.5V, but if the characteristic drops beyond 12V, the battery should be removed and additionally recharged, having learned in advance how to charge the Ford Focus 2 battery.

Next, the generator itself is tested. Wires are connected to the terminals and with the engine running, check the voltage with a multimeter using the positive terminal. At idle speed and switched off consumption, the tester should show about 13V, when the speed reaches 3000, the voltage should increase to 14.4V. Then it is necessary to activate electrical consumers and increase the load. The characteristic must remain at the level of 13V, otherwise it can be stated that the generator is faulty, which is why the battery is dead.

You can test the functionality of the generator, regardless of the location of the battery, using a simple method - with the engine running, you need to disconnect the wire from the positive terminal of the battery. If the engine stalls, the problem is in the generator.

The instrument panel and optics lights, adjusted by the number of revolutions, indicate a problem in the generator system or a decrease in the drive belt tension. Diagnostics of the voltage relay, if the battery is discharged or low, is quite possible by applying voltage from the battery to the contacts. In a situation where the generator brushes show 12V, the relay is working properly, but otherwise the unit requires replacement.

Diagnosing other problems

Many situations require knowledge of where the battery is located and how to remove the battery. Let's look at diagnosing and repairing various problems:

• A situation occurs when the multimeter on the dashboard shows the charge, the battery charging indicator does not activate at all, and the voltage at the battery terminals is about 12V, while the battery is completely discharged. You can solve the problem by stripping the terminals on the battery - if this does not help, you need to measure the voltage at the generator. One of the electrodes is connected to terminal 30, and the second is placed on ground. In situations where the voltage is greater than the battery specification, “30” must be cleaned with sandpaper. You should also carefully inspect the wiring from the generator to the battery for breaks.
• The on-board voltmeter and indicator indicate charging, the voltage at the battery terminals is about 14V, while the battery is discharged, and when the load increases, the voltmeter indicator goes to a minimum. This is all due to weakening of the tension, wear or breakage of the belt. The slack belt should be tensioned so that when pressed, it bends 1 centimeter.
• The situation may also arise as a result of a breakdown of one of the generator diodes. The motor is turned off and the entire diode bridge is rung, and any faulty elements found must be replaced. It is necessary to test the generator brushes - if their length is less than 5 mm, the parts should be replaced.

Driving while charging the battery

If, while driving a Ford Focus 2, the battery indicator is activated, and there is no time to diagnose and fix the problem, you can drive to the nearest service station to charge the battery. If the battery is fully charged, minimizing electricity consumption, you can cover at least 50 kilometers.

You can get rid of excessive energy consumption by turning off any electrical consumers, leaving only the most important ones that ensure driving safety - dimensions, head lights, turn signals.

In a situation where the incorrect operation of the vehicle is caused by charging the battery, the battery indicator is constantly on or does not activate, you should gradually test each possible problem based on the symptoms of the breakdown. Many faults can be eliminated by simply cleaning the contacts or replacing worn elements with new parts.

If you are faced with the need to repair a generator, pay attention to the condition of the bearings. Its diagnosis is carried out after restoration, using a special stand under service conditions.

2bro-service.ru

Why does the battery icon light up on the Opel Astra dashboard?

If the battery icon is lit on the Astra dashboard, this does not mean that the problem lies with it. The error code itself indicates insufficient voltage supplied to the battery or insufficient charging. This means that it is not charging, or is not charging well. As a result, the car may simply stall when the charge runs out. Perhaps the generator brushes are worn out and cannot remove enough charge, or the bearing is broken. It’s safer to take the car to a service station if this icon lights up on the Astra panel. This is a typical problem for Opel Astra H, especially older than 5 years.

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Our services

If you have a low battery warning light on your Opel Astra N, then hurry up and order a quality source from us. In this case, it will be replaced by our specialists in stores. You also have the opportunity to save some money if you hand over your old battery to us. Call us at any convenient time.

As can be seen from the description, each source is also provided with a guarantee, but there are several important conditions under which it will be valid:

• Your car must have good charging circuits. Our specialists can check this right in the store. If repairs are required, we will recommend the best technician.
• You must come to us at a certain interval for repeated measurements. This way you will not only find out the state of charge of the source, but also of your on-board network as a whole.
• Also, when buying a battery, do not use homemade charging means, because they mainly charge the battery with direct current, which is not recommended. Any industrial, as in a car, it pulsates of the same polarity, which more carefully restores capacity.

If you have any problems during the operation and maintenance of the battery, you can contact us at any time by phone or through the website by leaving an online request.