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Practical tips
running. This could damage the electrical
system or electr
onic components.
●
Do not expose the battery to direct sun-
light over a long period of time, as the in-
tense ultraviolet radiation can damage the
battery housing.
●
If the vehicle is left standing in cold con-
ditions for a long period, protect the bat-
tery from “freezing”. If it freezes it will be
damaged.
Warning lamp
It lights up
Alternator fault.
The control lamp lights up when the ignition is
s
wit
ched on. It shoul
d go out when the engine
has started running.
If the control lamp lights up while driving,
the alternator is no longer charging the bat-
tery. You should immediately drive to the
nearest specialised workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment
that is not absolutely necessary because this
will drain the battery.
Checking the battery electrolyte
level
The electrolyte level should be checked reg-
ularly in high-mileage v
ehicles, in hot coun-
tries and in older batteries.
–
Open the bonnet and open the battery
cover at the front
›››
in Safety notes for
work in the engine compartment on
page 302
›››
in Symbols and warnings
on handling the battery on page 309. F
or
vehicles with the battery under the spare
wheel, open the rear lid and lift the floor
covering. The battery is located next to the
spare wheel.
–
Check the colour display in the "magic eye"
on the top of the battery.
–
If ther
e are air bubbles in the window, tap
the window gently until they disperse.
The position of the battery is shown in the
corresponding engine compartment diagram
›››
page 303.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top
of the battery changes colour, depending on
the charge state and electrolyte level of the
battery.
There are two different colours:
●
Black: correct charge status.
●
Transparent/light yellow: the battery must
be replaced. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
Charging or changing the battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is
checked during the inspection service. All
w
ork on the vehicle battery requires specialist
knowledge.
If you often drive short distances or if the ve-
hicle is not driven for long periods, the battery
should be checked by a specialised work-
shop between the scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have
problems starting the vehicle, the battery
might be damaged. If this happens, we rec-
ommend you have the vehicle battery
checked by a Technical Service where it will
be re-charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a
specialised workshop only, as batteries using
special technology have been installed and
they must be charged in a controlled environ-
ment.
310
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