Ford 2008 Ka Owner's Handbook Manual page 140

133-146 Ford KA EN_131-148 Ford KA IT 08/04/14 08:39 Pagina 139
Incorrect installation
of electric and electronic
devices may cause severe
damage to your car. Go to a
Ford Dealership if you want to install
accessories (anti-theft system, mobile
phone, etc.): they will suggest the
most suitable devices and advise you
if a higher capacity battery needs to
be installed.
Batteries contain substances
that can be very dangerous
for the environment. It is
advisable to have the
battery changed by a Ford Dealership
where it will be disposed of
according to the law.
WARNING
If the vehicle must remain
unused for a long time
at very low temperature, remove
the battery and carry it to a warm
place, to avoid freezing.
WARNING
When you must perform
any operation on the
battery or near it, always protect
your eyes with special goggles.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE
OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
make it last longer, observe the
following instructions:
❒ when you park the car, ensure the
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed
properly, to prevent any light
switching-on inside the passenger's
compartment;
❒ the internal roof lights must be off.
The car is however provided with an
automatic system for switching-off
internal lights;
❒ do not keep accessories (e.g. sound
system, hazard warning lights, etc...)
switched on for a long time when the
engine is not running;
❒ before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
negative battery cable;
❒ battery terminals shall always be
perfectly tightened.
IMPORTANT If the charge level
remains for a long time under 50%,
the battery is damaged by sulphation,
reducing its capacity and starting
attitude.
The battery is also more prone to the
risk of freezing (at temperatures as high
as −10°C). Refer to the paragraph "Car
inactivity" in "Starting and driving"
if the car is left parked for a long time.
If after buying the car, you want to
install electric accessories which require
permanent electric supply (anti-theft
system, etc.) contact your Ford
Dealership whose qualified personnel,
in addition to suggesting the most
suitable devices, will evaluate the overall
electric absorption, checking whether
the car's electric system is capable of
withstanding the load required, or
whether it should be integrated with
a more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue absorbing
energy even when the ignition key is off,
they gradually run down the battery.
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