Checking and refilling levels
Checking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 208
Sight glass on the top of the 12 volt bat-
tery (schematic representation).
The electrolyte level should be checked reg-
ularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot coun-
tries and in older batteries.
●
Open the bonnet and then lift the cover
that protects the front part of the battery
›››
in Working in the engine compart-
ment on page 288.
●
Check the colour display in the "magic eye"
on the top of the battery.
●
If there are air bubbles in the window, tap
the window gently until they disperse.
The position of the battery is shown in the
corresponding engine compartment dia-
gram
›››
page 290 .
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the
top of the battery changes colour, depend-
ing on the charge state and electrolyte level
of the battery.
There are two different colours:
The battery's electro-
lyte level is too low. Go to a specialised
workshop to have the battery checked
and replaced if necessary.
The battery’s electrolyte level is cor-
rect.
Charging or changing the battery
If you often drive short distances or if the ve-
hicle is not driven for long periods, the bat-
tery should be checked by a specialised
workshop between the scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have
problems starting the vehicle, the battery
might be damaged. If this happens, we rec-
ommend you have the vehicle battery
checked by a Technical Service where it will
be re-charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a
specialised workshop only, as batteries using
special technology have been installed and
they must be charged in a controlled envi-
ronment.
Yellow or colourless:
Black:
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the
conditions of its location and has special
safety features. If the battery must be re-
placed, consult a technical service for infor-
mation on electromagnetic compatibility,
the size and maintenance, performance and
safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. CU-
PRA recommends you have the battery re-
placed by a technical service.
Start-Stop systems (
›››
page 200 ) are equip-
ped with a special battery. Therefore, it must
only be replaced with a battery of the same
specifications.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent
power management system to control the
distribution of electrical energy
›››
page 300 .
The power management function ensures
that the battery is charged much more effi-
ciently than on vehicles without a power
management system. To maintain this func-
tion after replacing the battery, we recom-
mend that the replacement battery used is
of the same make and type as the original fit-
ted battery. To make proper use of the power
management function after the battery has
been changed, have the battery coded to
the power management mode at a special-
ised workshop.
»
299
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