Checking and refilling levels
When a light bulb is changed, you need on-
ly swit
ch off the light.
●
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by un-
locking the vehicle before you disconnect
the battery! The alarm will otherwise be
triggered.
●
When disconnecting the battery from the
vehicle on-board network, disconnect first
the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
●
Switch off all electrical devices before re-
connecting the battery. Reconnect first the
positive cable and then the negative cable.
Never reverse the polarity of the connec-
tions. This could cause an electrical fire.
●
Never charge a frozen battery, or one
which has thawed. This could result in ex-
plosions and chemical burns. Always re-
place a battery which has frozen. A flat bat-
tery can also freeze at temperatures close
to 0°C (+32°F).
●
Ensure that the vent hose is always con-
nected to the battery.
●
Never use a defective battery. This could
cause an explosion. Replace a damaged
battery immediately.
CAUTION
●
Do not expose the battery to direct sun-
light over a long period of time, as the in-
tense ultraviolet radiation can damage the
battery housing.
●
If the vehicle is left st
anding in cold con-
ditions for a long period, protect the bat-
tery from “freezing”. If it freezes it will be
damaged.
Warning lamp
It lights up
Alternator fault.
The control lamp lights up when the ignition
is s
wit
ched on. It should go out when the en-
gine has started running.
If the control lamp lights up while driving,
the alternator is no longer charging the bat-
tery. You should immediately drive to the
nearest specialised workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment
that is not absolutely necessary because this
will drain the battery.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked reg-
ularly in high-mile
ag
e 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 pag
e 317
.
●
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 319.
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:
●
Black: correct charge status.
●
Transparent/light yellow: the battery must
be replaced. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
Charging or changing the battery
If you often drive short distances or if the ve-
hicle is not driv
en f
or 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
»
327
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