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Checking the condition
Fig. 237
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 203 first.
The battery condition is checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of the
inspection service.
Check the acid level
For car batteries with acid level indicator, acidity can be checked on the basis
of a colour display. In vehicle batteries with the label “AGM” there is no acid
level examination.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
tap on the indicator before carrying out the check » Fig. 237.
Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
Battery discharge
If frequent short journeys are made, the vehicle battery does not recharge suf-
ficiently.
The battery capacity decreases at low temperatures.
If the vehicle is not used for longer than 3 to 4 weeks, disconnect the negative
terminal of the battery or charge the battery constantly with a very low
charging current.
Charging
Read and observe and on page 203 first.
Only charge the battery when the ignition and all consumers are switched off.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
Charging
›
For vehicles withthe START-STOPsystem or auxiliary heater, connect the
terminal of the charger on the battery’s pole, the terminal of the charg-
er to the earth point of the engine » page 216.
›
For vehicles without the START-STOPsystem or auxiliary heating, connect
the charger terminals to the corresponding battery poles ( to , to ).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Disconnect the terminals of the charger from the vehicle battery.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
WARNING
■
When charging the vehicle battery, hydrogen is released - risk of explo-
sion. An explosion can be caused through sparking while unclamping or
loosening the cable plug.
■
So-called“quick-charging” of the vehicle battery is dangerous and re-
quires a special charger and specialist knowledge. Therefore, have“Quick
loading” carried out by a specialist garage.
Disconnecting/reconnecting and replacing
Read and observe and on page 203 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery.
We recommend you have the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
›
To disconnect, switch off the ignition and disconnect the negative terminal
first , then disconnect the positive terminal .
›
When reconnecting the battery, reconnect the positive terminal first,
then connect the negative terminal .
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func-
tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.
204
General Maintenance
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