Battery - Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual

93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 214 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
214 Car care

Battery

WARNING
• When working on the battery, highly
explosive gas can build up. A spark
could ignite this gas that collects
around the battery.
Therefore, always avoid sparks and
open flames in the vicinity of the bat-
tery.
• The battery contains corrosive sulfuric
acid. Always wear a face mask or gog-
gles when working on the battery.
• If battery acid gets into the eyes or
splashes onto skin or clothing, wash
the affected area liberally with water.
If acid gets into the eyes or a large
quantity makes contact with the skin,
seek medical help.
• Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after
handling
NOTICE
A discharged battery can freeze and frac-
ture. Batteries should therefore always be
stored away from sub-zero temperatures.
The battery is maintenance free.
If frequent short journeys are made, the bat-
tery may need extra charging. This can be
done with a battery charger or by taking the
car for a long run.
If the battery is not being charged while the
engine is running, the following message
will appear on the SID:
Battery not charging.
Make a safe stop.
Check the drive belt (see page 215). If the
belt is damaged, the engine may overheat,
the battery may not be charged and the A/C
compressor may not work.
Turn the two retainers a quarter turn to
unlock the battery cover.
Always connect the positive (red) cable to
the battery's positive (+) terminal, and the
negative (black) cable to the negative (-)
terminal of the battery. Always disconnect
both battery leads when boost charging the
battery.
A car with standard equipment specifica-
tions and a fully charged battery can be left
for up to 40 days and still have a sufficient
charge for starting. If extra equipment is
fitted, such as a mobile phone, the charge
may only be sufficient for about 15 days.