Practical tips
Control lamp
3 Valid for: hybrid vehicles.
Indicator lamps and driver messages on the
instrument cluster display or infotainment
system:
The 12 V vehicle battery does not
charge. Stop safely!
●
The indicator lamp lights up red. Stop the
vehicle and switch off the ignition. Obtain
technical assistance.
Error: 12 V vehicle battery. En-
gine cannot be started. Go to the
workshop.
●
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. If the
ignition is switched off, it is not possible to
start the vehicle again. There may be limita-
tions on the vehicle’s functions/stability. Con-
tact a specialised workshop immediately.
Low level of the 12 V vehicle
battery. Charge while driving.
●
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. Starting
capacity may be limited. If this driver mes-
sage goes out after a certain amount of time,
the vehicle's battery has recharged while
driving and reached a sufficient level. If the
driver message does not go out, take the ve-
hicle to a specialized workshop.
Replace the 12V vehicle battery.
Take the vehicle to a workshop.
●
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. The 12
volt vehicle battery has almost reached the
end of its useful life. Visit a professional and
request an inspection and replacement, if
necessary, of the 12-volt vehicle battery
›››
page 335.
Check the 12V vehicle battery.
●
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. The
connection between the electrical system
and the 12-volt vehicle battery does not work.
Get the electrical system checked by a pro-
fessional.
Error: 12-volt vehicle battery
diagnosis. Visit a workshop.
●
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. The
system that controls the 12-volt vehicle bat-
tery does not work. Get the electrical system
checked by a professional.
Checking the battery electrolyte
level
Fig. 230
Sight glass on the top of the 12 volt
battery (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 322.
●
Check the colour display in the "magic eye"
on the top of the battery. Ensure sufficient
lighting to clearly identify the colour shown in
the battery window. Never use flames or ob-
jects that burn without a flame as a light
source.
●
If there are air bubbles in the window, tap
the window gently until they disperse.
334
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