Check the electrolyte level of the battery regularly if the vehicle has high mileage (km), in places with a
warm climate, and if the vehicle has an old battery. Otherwise the vehicle battery does not require
maintenance.
Preparations
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ꢀ
Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment ⇒ Working in the engine compartment.
Open the engine hood ⇒
.
Opening and closing the battery cover
To open, fold the cover to the side in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 161.
To close, fold the cover against the direction of the arrow.
Checking the vehicle battery acid level
ꢀ
If the lighting conditions are poor, use a flashlight so that you can clearly see the battery acid level
indicator and tell what color it is. Never use an open flame or an unprotected light source.
The round battery window (“acid level indicator”) on the top of the battery changes color,
depending on the battery's electrolyte level.
ꢀ
Color
Action
Light yellow or
colorless
Battery electrolyte level is too low. The vehicle battery
may need to be replaced. Have it checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
Black
Battery electrolyte level is satisfactory.
WARNING
Working on the batteries can cause serious acid burns, explosion, or electrical shock.
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ꢀ
Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness.
Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.
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ꢀ
ꢀ
Never tilt the vehicle battery. Acid could spill out of the battery vents and burn you.
Never open a vehicle battery.
If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for
several minutes and then get immediate medical attention.
ꢀ
If you swallow any battery acid, get medical attention immediately.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting, and connecting the vehicle battery
ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Charging the vehicle battery
Vehicle batteries should be charged by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility because the factory-installed battery requires a charger with overload
protection ⇒
.
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