Checking Acid Level

Battery

NOTE: To prevent contact corrosion, only approved screws, nuts, discs etc. should be used. These elements have a special surface coating and must be stored separately.

The battery is one of the most important electrical components in the vehicle. Fault-free functioning of the battery contributes greatly to customer satisfaction. To guarantee long and efficient operation, the battery must be checked and maintained according to the details in this chapter.

In addition to performing a starting function, the battery also acts as a buffer and supplier of electrical energy for the entire vehicle electrical system.

Checking acid level
1. Switch ignition off and remove ignition key.
2. Move the front left seat back and up as far as possible. Move the backrest as far forward as possible.







3. Detach the front seat trim -1- towards the front.
4. Fold sections of the carpet forward and remove the two fastening screws -2-.
5. Fold the seat back as far as possible. With the seat in its folded position, move it forward again using the fore-and-aft adjustment.
6. Open the four tension hooks on the battery case cover using a screwdriver.







7. Remove the battery case cover with ventilation channel.

Low-maintenance battery

CAUTION:
- The accident prevention regulations must be observed when handling battery acids.
- Wear suitable protective clothing and protective glasses.
- Illuminate the inside of the battery only with a torch.
- Never illuminate the inside of the battery with a naked flame.
- Do not handle a naked flame or lit cigarettes near batteries.
- Observe the disposal regulations for batteries and sulphuric acids when disposing of batteries.

NOTE:
- Use a commercially available battery filling bottle.
- The correct acid level of the battery is an important factor for long and efficient operation of the battery.
- When the acid level is too low, a capacity loss (performance loss) of the battery occurs which is caused by the cell plates drying out. If the cell plates are not surrounded by electrolyte (battery acid), it will lead to corrosion of the lead plates, the plate bridges and the cell connectors. The result of the corrosion is that battery functioning cannot be guaranteed. The battery will become useless.
- If the acid level is too high, damage can occur as a result of the battery acid leaking out (sulphuric acid/water mixture) outside the battery.

1. Unscrew battery plugs.
2. Shine a torch into the battery. The electrolyte level of the battery must be at the protruding lug.
- If the acid level is too low, top up with distilled water using the battery filling bottle.
3. Screw in plug of the battery again and ensure that it is seated correctly.
4. Refit battery cover.

Maintenance-free battery

NOTE:
- The maintenance-free battery has an inspection glass.
- The charging condition and acid level of the battery can be checked via the inspection glass -B-.
- If a battery is more than 5 years old and the colour indicator of the inspection glass is colourless, replace the battery.
- If the battery was charged, air bubbles can form under the inspection glass. Before carrying out a visual inspection, tap carefully on the inspection glass using the handle of a screwdriver, for example.

Three different colour indicators are possible:







Colour indicator Charging condition
Green The battery is charged sufficiently.
Battery starts reliably.
Dark grey The battery is not charged or the charge is too low.
Recharge battery.
Transparent/clear Critical acid level is reached.
=> Replace battery.