Battery: Service and Repair

Battery, removing and installing


WARNING!
Always disconnect battery Ground (GND) strap before working on electrical system.


NOTE:
- Obtain radio code before disconnecting battery.
- Be sure to activate vehicle features (radio, clock, electric window regulator, engine) when the battery is re-connected


Removing
- Switch ignition off.







- Pull off rubber seal of plenum chamber cover in direction of arrow.
- Remove cover -1- toward front.







- Disconnect Ground (GND) strap -1- at battery Ground (GND) terminal by loosening hex nut (size = 10 mm).
- Loosen B+ wire -2- at battery B+ terminal by loosening hex nut (size = 10 mm).







- Remove hex nut -3- (size = 10 mm) at battery retaining bracket -2-.







- Disconnect elbow of central venting system (arrow).
- Lift battery out of plenum chamber.

Installing
Installation is the reverse of removal.

Tightening torques

Component Nm
Battery terminal to battery post 6
Bolt at retaining bracket 15

Batteries with central gas venting


WARNING!
New style batteries with central venting system must be installed.
Original battery covers must always be used. The plugs must be equipped with an O-ring seal.


There are two types of batteries with a central venting system:
- Batteries with a hose or nozzle attached to the central venting system
- Batteries without a hose or nozzle attached to the central venting system


NOTE:
- The latest generation of batteries has a central venting system and a flashback protector in the form of a so-called "frit". Function: Gas produced when charging leaves the battery through a central opening on the top part of the side covering. A flashback protector is also integrated at the same place to prevent the combustible gas in the battery from igniting. The frit consists of a small round fiberglass mat about 15 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick. It works similarly to a valve, i.e. it allows gas produced in the battery to flow out.
- Do not grease battery terminals.
- Put the battery terminal clamps on only by hand, without forcing them, to avoid damaging the battery casing.


Notes regarding function of the central venting system:
- For batteries with hose/tube for central venting system, make sure the hose is not kinked. Only in this case can the battery be vented freely.







- For batteries without hose/tube for central venting system, make sure the opening on the upper cover side (arrow) of battery is not clogged.

Check battery for secure seating.
If battery is not securely seated, the following dangers exist:
- Shortened service life due to damage caused by shaking.
- If the battery is not secured properly normal shock and vibration can damage the battery plates, which results in premature battery failure.
- The battery casing can be damaged by the fastening clip (this might possibly allow acid to escape from the battery, which would have severe consequences).
- Insufficient crash safety.
- In order to ensure proper sealing of the battery, it is necessary that the original battery plugs are threaded into the battery openings.
- In case of loss or damage, only original sealing plugs of the same type may be used.
- The sealing plugs must be equipped with an O-ring seal.