Mercedes-Benz S-Class Operator's Manual page 430

Battery (vehicle)
428
WARNING
G
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation
of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle
body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The highly flammable gas mixture forms when
charging the battery as well as when jump-
starting.
Always make sure that neither you nor the
battery is electrostatically charged. A build-
up of electrostatic charge can be caused, for
example:
by wearing clothing made from synthetic
R
fibers
due to friction between clothing and seats
R
if you push or pull the battery across the
R
carpet or other synthetic materials
if you wipe the battery with a cloth
R
G WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
Make sure that the positive terminal of a
R
connected battery does not come into con-
tact with vehicle parts.
Never place metal objects or tools on a bat-
R
tery.
It is important that you observe the descri-
R
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
When jump-starting, make sure that the
R
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
It is particularly important to observe the
R
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
Never connect or disconnect the battery
R
terminals while the engine is running.
WARNING
G
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.
All vehicles:
H Environmental note
Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separately
and recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or contact a qualified spe-
cialist workshop for more information.
! Always have work on the batteries carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Should it, in exceptional circumstances, be
absolutely necessary to disconnect the 12-
volt battery yourself, please observe the
following:
secure the vehicle to prevent it from roll-
R
ing away.
you switch off the engine and remove the
R
SmartKey. Make sure the ignition is
switched off. Check that all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster are off.
Otherwise, electronic components, such
as the alternator, may be damaged.