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Inspecting the electrolyte level
The battery is practically maintenance-free under normal operating conditions.
We do, however, recommend that you have the electrolyte level inspected from
time to time by a specialist garage when outside temperatures are high or when
driving on long trips. You should also check the electrolyte level ⇒ page 195 each
time the battery is charged.
The battery acid level will also be checked as part of the Inspection Service.
Operation in winter
The battery has to provide greater amounts of electricity during the winter. It also
has only part of the initial power output at low temperatures that it has at normal
temperatures.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by a specialist garage
before the start of the winter, and recharged if necessary.
Note
If the vehicle is not going to be driven for a period of some weeks when there is very
severe frost one should remove ⇒ page 196 the battery and store it in a place
which is protected from frost. This prevents the battery from freezing up and
thereby being destroyed.
Charging the battery
A properly charged battery is essential for reliably starting the
engine.
– Read the warning notes ⇒
page 193 and ⇒
– Switch the ignition and all electrical components off.
Using the system
Safety
in "Working on the battery" on
.
Driving Tips
– Only for "quick-charging": Disconnect both battery cables (first of all
"negative", then "positive").
– Carefully attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery
terminals (red = "positive", black = "negative").
– You can now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket
and switch on the charger.
– When charging is completed: switch the charger off and unplug the
mains cable from the power socket.
– Only then should you disconnect the terminal clamps of the charger.
– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all "positive", then "nega-
tive").
It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge
the battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-charger). Please also
refer to the instructions from the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 of the total battery capacity (or lower) is that which should
be used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with
high amperages, so-called "quick-charging".
"Quick-charging" a battery is dangerous ⇒
page 193. It requires a special charger and appropriate knowledge. We therefore
recommend that you have your battery quick-charged only by your specialist
garage.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C. ⇒
recommend that you no longer use a battery which has thawed out because the
casing of the battery may be cracked through the formation of ice and this would
allow battery electrolyte to flow out.
The vent plugs of the battery should not be opened for charging.
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Inspecting and Replenishing
in "Working on the battery" on
. We
Technical Data
195
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