Skoda Roomster Owner's Manual page 157

WARNING (Continued)
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
■
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
■
gine, the ignition and all electrical components and disconnect the negative
terminal (-) on the battery.
CAUTION
Improper handling of the battery can lead to damage. We recommend having
all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a specialist garage.
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
disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery, and then the positive ter-
minal (+).
When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first of all connect the
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positive terminal (+) of the battery, and then the negative terminal (-). Under
no circumstances 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 damage to the paintwork.
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle bat-
■
tery 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
disconnecting 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.
154
General Maintenance
Open cover

Read and observe and
The battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic box.
›
Open the cover in the direction of the arrow
The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes place
in the reverse order.
Checking the battery electrolyte level

Read and observe and
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator,
colouring of the display can indicate the acidic level.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
›
Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
›
Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
Fig. 139
Plastic cover of the vehicle bat-
tery
on page 153 first.
» Fig. 139.
Fig. 140
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
on page 153 first.
» Fig. 140 the
