03 Battery maintenance: checking condition of battery and battery vent hose
WM 030001 Battery maintenance: checking condition of battery and battery vent hose
Technical values
Preliminary work
Preliminary work - 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 backrest all the way forward. Move front seat all the way up and all the way forward.
2. Release the covers -arrows A- and remove rear seat rail cover caps -arrows B-.
3. Move front left seat back and up as far as possible. Move backrest fully forward.
4. Unclip the front seat trim forwards -A-.
Cut-out relay
5. Fold the carpet sections forward and unscrew both fastening screws -1-.
6. 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.
7. Open the four tension hooks on the battery case cover using a screwdriver.
8. Remove the battery case cover with ventilation channel.
Checking condition of battery and battery vent hose
Check maintenance-free battery
Information
- The maintenance-free battery has an inspection glass.
- The charge state and acid level of the battery can be checked through the inspection glass -B-.
- If a battery is more than 5 years old and the indicator of the inspection glass is colourless, replace the battery.
- If the battery has been charged, air bubbles can form under the inspection glass. Before carrying out a visual inspection, tap carefully on the inspection glass with something like the handle of a screwdriver.
Maintenance-free battery
Vent hose A + connections and inspection glass B
Three different colour indications are possible:
Check low-maintenance battery
WARNING
Improper handling of batteries.
- Risk of injury and damage to the environment
-> The accident prevention regulations must be strictly observed when handling battery acids.
-> Wear suitable protective clothing and protective glasses.
-> Only use a torch to illuminate the inside of the battery. Never illuminate the inside of the battery with a naked flame.
-> Do not handle a naked flame or lighted cigarettes near batteries.
-> Observe the disposal regulations for batteries and sulphuric acid when disposing of batteries.
Information
- Use a commercially available battery filling bottle.
- The correct acid level of the battery is an important factor for a long service life 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".
2.1. 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
Information
- Make sure the 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 box.
Central venting
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.
CAUTION
Risk of material damage to screw connections for seat and seat frame.
-> The fastening screws for seat and seat frame are coated and must be replaced after being unscrewed.
-> Before screwing in the new fastening screws, clean the thread holes with an M10 x 1.5 tap.
3. Move the seat in its folded position towards the rear and then tip forward.
4. Screw in fastening screws -1- and put back the carpet sections. => Tightening torque: 33 ftlb.
Battery
5. Clip in front seat trim -C-.
6. Push rear cover caps onto seat rails -arrows A- and press down the covers -arrows B- until these engage audibly.
Checking battery vent hose of the auxiliary battery
Information
- 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. Remove collapsible spare wheel:
1.1. Remove twist grip -A- and position it on the bolt -B-.
1.2. Unscrew the bolt and remove it together with the collapsible spare wheel.
2. Removing subwoofer fastening:
2.1. Remove tyre sealant -1- if it is present.
2.2. Unscrew both fastening screws -2-.
2.3. Unscrew the fastening screw -3-.
3. Disconnect electrical plug connection and remove subwoofer:
3.1. Remove plug connection from retaining bracket on the subwoofer and disconnect the plug connection.
3.2. Lift subwoofer up and out.
4. Remove battery case cover:
4.1. Unscrew the four fastening nuts -A-.
4.2. Unclip the four fastening clips -B- with a screwdriver.
4.3. Remove the cover for the housing by pulling it up.
4.4. Check vent hose.
5. Position battery case cover and screw it on:
5.1. Put on the battery case cover, position it and clip in the four fastening clips -A- onto the cover.
5.2. Push the restraining straps across the four fastening bolts on the body floor and screw on the four fastening nuts -B-. => tightening torque: 4.5 ftlb.
6. Installing subwoofer:
6.1. Position the subwoofer over the battery case.
6.2. Push the electrical plug connections together until the plug is felt to engage.
6.3. Position electrical plug connection on subwoofer.
7. Fastening subwoofer:
Information
- If the vehicle contains a subwoofer or collapsible spare wheel the relevant component must be re-installed.
7.1.
7.2. Insert fastening screw -3- with washer and tighten. => tightening torque: 3.5 ftlb.
7.3. Position both tightening nuts -2- and tighten them. => tightening torque: 1.5 ftlb.
7.4. If present, place tyre sealant -1- in tray.
8. Install collapsible spare wheel:
Information
- If the vehicle contains a subwoofer or collapsible spare wheel the relevant component must be re-installed.
8.1.
8.2. Insert collapsible spare wheel.
8.3. Screw in screw B -B-.
8.4. Position twist grip -A- and tighten fastening screw -B- hand tight.
