Checking and refilling levels
the battery on page 174. For 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.
●
●
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are
Ensure that the vent hose is always connec-
prohibited. When handling cables and electri-
cal equipment, avoid causing sparks and
electrostatic charge. Never short the battery
terminals. High-energy sparks can cause in-
jury.
ted to the battery.
●
Never use a defective battery. This could
cause an explosion. Replace a damaged bat-
tery immediately.
–
–
Check the colour display in the "magic eye"
on the top of the battery.
●
For vehicles with the battery in the luggage
●
A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
compartment: Check that the battery gas
ventilation hose is securely attached.
If there are air bubbles in the window, tap
the window gently until they disperse.
leased when the battery is under charge. The
batteries should be charged in a well-ventila-
ted room only.
The position of the battery is shown in the
corresponding engine compartment diagram
››› page 168. The location of the battery in
the luggage compartment can be seen in
››› Fig. 152.
CAUTION
●
Keep children away from acid and batteries.
●
Never disconnect the battery if the ignition
●
Before working on the electrical system,
is switched on or if the engine is running.
This could damage the electrical system or
electronic components.
you must switch off the engine, the ignition
and all electrical devices. The negative cable
on the battery must be disconnected. When a
light bulb is changed, you need only switch
off the light.
●
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top
of the battery changes colour, depending on
the charge state and electrolyte level of the
battery.
over a long period of time, as the intense ul-
traviolet radiation can damage the battery
housing.
●
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlock-
ing the vehicle before you disconnect the bat-
tery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.
●
If the vehicle is left standing in cold condi-
There are two different colours:
tions for a long period, protect the battery
from “freezing”. If it freezes it will be dam-
aged.
●
When disconnecting the battery from the
vehicle on-board network, disconnect first
the negative cable and then the positive ca-
ble.
●
●
Black: correct charge status.
Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must
be replaced. Contact a specialised workshop.
●
Switch off all electrical devices before re-
connecting the battery. Reconnect first the
positive cable and then the negative cable.
Never reverse the polarity of the connections.
This could cause an electrical fire.
Checking the electrolyte level
Charging and changing the vehicle
battery
The electrolyte level should be checked regu-
larly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot coun-
tries and in older batteries.
●
Never charge a frozen battery, or one which
The battery is maintenance-free and is
checked during the inspection service. All
work on the vehicle battery requires special-
ist knowledge.
has thawed. This could result in explosions
and chemical burns. Always replace a battery
which has frozen. A flat battery can also
freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
–
Open the bonnet and open the battery cov-
er at the front ››› in Safety instructions
on working in the engine compartment on
page 166 ››› in Warnings on handling
»
175
English 
