Mercedes-Benz GLS Operator's Manual page 349

Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient ven-
tilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery.
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WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
Make sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
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vehicle parts.
Never place metal objects or tools on a battery.
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It is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
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and disconnecting a battery.
When jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected.
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It is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
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the jumper cables.
Never connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
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WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
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Vehicles with a gasoline engine: avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the
catalytic converter could be damaged by non-combusted fuel.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up at low temperatures, it is very likely that the dis-
charged battery has frozen. In this case you may neither jump-start the vehicle nor charge the
battery. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The starting characteristics can be
impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have the thawed-out battery checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the
engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a donor battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points:
The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible, jump-
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start the vehicle using a donor battery or a jump-starting device.
Vehicles with a gasoline engine: only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust
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system are cold.
Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
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Only jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating.
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Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
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If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected for
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a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly.
Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
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Jump-starting
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