Checking the Battery
Battery Maintenance: Checking Condition of Battery and Battery Vent Hose
- Switch off all loads and remove ignition key.
- Observe the warning notes and safety regulations for hydrocyanic acid batteries.
1. Move the front left seat back and up as far as possible. Move the backrest as far forward as possible.
2. Detach the front seat trim -1- towards the front.
3. Fold the carpet sections forward and remove the two fastening screws -2-.
4. Fold the seat back as far as possible. With the seat in its folded position, move the seat forward again using the fore-and-aft adjustment.
5. Open the four tension hooks on the battery case cover using a screwdriver.
6. Remove the battery case cover with ventilation channel.
Checking Condition Of Battery
Maintenance-free battery
NOTE:
- The maintenance-free battery has an inspection glass.
- The charge state and acid level of the battery can be checked via 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 State of charge
Green The battery is charged sufficiently.
Black The battery is not charged or the charge is too low.
Colourless or yellow Critical acid level is reached. Replace battery.
Low-maintenance battery
CAUTION: Danger of injury:
- The accident prevention regulations must be observed when handling battery acids.
- Wear suitable protective clothing and protective glasses.
- Only illuminate the inside of the battery 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 when disposing of batteries and sulphuric acids.
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 by the battery acid (sulphuric acid/water mixture) leaking out of 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, refill with distilled water using the battery filling bottle.
3. Screw in battery plugs again and ensure that they are seated correctly.
Checking Battery Vent Hose
NOTE:
- Make sure that vent hose -A- is not kinked or damaged. If in doubt, replace it.
- Vent hose -A- must be inserted in the battery and in the battery case.
Checking battery vent hose under the driver's seat
1. Replace the battery box cover carefully. The ventilation channel must be mounted properly.
2. Attach the four tension hooks in the battery case cover and close using the screwdriver.
3. Move the seat in its folded position towards the rear and then tip forward.
4. Screw in fastening screws -2-. Tightening torque: 45 Nm (33 ftlb.).
5. Clip in front seat trim -1-.
Checking battery vent hose of the auxiliary battery
NOTE:
- The battery is located in the luggage compartment under the loadspace floor.
- If the vehicle contains a subwoofer or collapsible spare wheel, the relevant component must be removed before the auxiliary battery is removed.
1. Removing collapsible spare wheel:
a. Remove twist grip -A- and position it on bolt -B-.
b. Unscrew the bolt and remove it together with the collapsible spare wheel.
2. Removing subwoofer fastening:
a. Remove tyre sealant -1- if it is present.
b. Unscrew the two fastening nuts -2-.
c. Undo fastening screw -3-.
3. Disconnecting electrical plug connection and removing subwoofer:
a. Take the plug connection out of the retaining bracket on the subwoofer and disconnect the plug connection.
b. Lift subwoofer up and out.
4. Removing battery case cover:
a. -A- Unscrew the four fastening nuts.
b. -B- Unclip the four fastening clips using a screwdriver.
c. Remove the battery case cover by pulling it up.
d. Check vent hose.