Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual page 266

Battery
264
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up
in the instrument cluster when temperatures
are low, it is probably because the discharged
battery has frozen. Should this be the case, do
not jump-start the vehicle or charge the bat-
tery. The service life of a thawed battery may
be shorter. Start-up behavior may deterio-
rate, in particular at low temperatures. Have
the thawed battery checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery.
G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
! Only charge the installed battery with a
battery charger that has been tested and
approved by the distributor named on the
inside of the front cover. This device allows
the battery to be charged when it is instal-
led in the vehicle. The vehicle's electronics
may otherwise be damaged.
A battery charger unit specially adapted for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an
accessory. Only this device permits the
charging of the battery in its installed posi-
tion. Only charge the installed battery with a
battery charger that has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz, using the jump-
start connection point in the engine compart-
ment. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for information and availability. Read
the operating instructions for your charger
before charging the battery.
The additional battery can not be charged
from the jump-starting connection point.
Recharge the battery more frequently if you
use the vehicle mainly for short trips and/or
drive at low outside temperatures.
Charge the battery. Observe the notes in
X
the operating instructions for your battery
charger.
If necessary, install battery. Observe the
X
notes on reconnecting the battery.
Recharge uninstalled, out of service bat-
i
teries every three months. This will counter
self-discharging and prevent battery dam-
age.
Care
! Dirty battery clamps and battery surfaces
cause leak currents which lead to the bat-
teries discharging.
! Do not use cleaning agents containing
fuel. Cleaning agents containing fuel cor-
rode the battery housing.
! If dirt gets into the battery cell, battery
self-discharge will increase and the battery
may be damaged.
The following points on battery care must be
observed:
Regularly check the battery terminals and
X
the fastening of the negative cable to the
chassis to ensure that they are firmly
seated.
Always keep the battery terminals and bat-
X
tery surfaces clean and dry.
Lightly grease the undersides of the battery
X
terminals with acid-resistant grease.
Only clean the battery casing with a com-
X
mercially available cleaning product.