184
Checking and refilling levels
•
If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
WARNING (continued)
the battery from frost. If it “freezes” it will be damaged.
charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is
Checking the electrolyte level
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room
only.
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.
•
•
Keep children away from acid and batteries.
Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the
engine, the ignition and all consumers. The minus cable on the battery
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only switch
off the light.
–
Open the bonnet and open the battery cover at the front ⇒
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
in
page 169 ⇒
page 183.
in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
•
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system,
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.
Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
–
–
Check the colour display in the magic eye on the top of the
battery.
•
•
If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until
they disperse.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never
reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
•
Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could
The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which
°
ment diagram ⇒ page 224.
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0 C.
The round window (“magic eye”) on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge level and electrolyte level of the battery.
•
•
Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
Never use a defective battery. This may be fatally explosive. Replace a
damaged battery immediately.
If the colour in the window is colourless or bright yellow, the electrolyte level
of the battery is too low. Have the battery checked by a qualified workshop.
The colours green and black are used by the workshops for diagnostic
purposes.
Caution
•
Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
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