CAUTION
The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
■
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all dis-
connect the negative terminal (-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive ter-
minal (+).
When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first connect the positive
■
terminal (+) of the battery. Then connect the negative terminal (-). Under no cir-
cumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly - risk of a cable fire.
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork - risk of
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damage to the paintwork.
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle battery
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housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
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discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity (e. g.
control units) also in idle state. Prevent the battery from discharging by discon-
necting the battery's negative terminal or continuously charging the battery with
a very low charging current.
If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery will
■
not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.
For the sake of the environment
A vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations.
Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
184
General Maintenance
Battery cover
Fig. 162 Engine compartment: Polyester cover of the vehicle battery/plastic
cover of the vehicle battery
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 182.
The battery is located in the engine compartment in a polyester cover
» Fig.
162, in a plastic cover
1
boot
» Fig. 102
on page 90.
Battery in the engine compartment
›
Open the battery cover in the direction of the arrow
the side of the battery cover in the direction of the arrow
cover up and remove.
›
The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
Battery in the boot
Ð
›
Open the compartment with the symbol by turning the locks e.g with a coin
or flat screwdriver in the direction of the arrow
When working on the battery, the edge of the polyester battery cover
» Fig. 162
is inserted between the battery and the side wall of the battery cov-
1
er.
» Fig. 162
or in the left side of the
2
1
or press the interlock on
» Fig.
2
» Fig. 102
on page 90.
162, fold the
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