105IN AN EMERGENCY
JUMP STARTING
See
JUMP STARTINGin this chapter.
IF THE BATTERY
IS FLAT
First of all, read the CAR MAINTE-
NANCEchapter for the steps to be
taken to avoid the battery running
down and to ensure it has a long life.
RECHARGING THE BATTERY
You are advised to recharge the bat-
tery slowly for a period of approxi-
mately 24 hours at a low amperage.
Charging for too long could damage
the battery.
Proceed as follows:
1)Disconnect the electric system
from the battery terminals.
IMPORTANTWhere relevant,
switch the electronic car alarm off
with the remote control.3)Turn on the charger.
4)When you have finished, turn the
charger off before disconnecting the
battery.
5)Reconnect the cables to the bat-
tery terminals. Make sure the polarity
is correct.
The liquid in the battery
is poisonous and corro-
sive. Do not let it touch
the skin or eyes. Recharging the
battery should be done in a well-
ventilated area away from naked
flames or possible sources of
sparks: explosion and fire risk. Do not attempt to
recharge a frozen bat-
tery. Thaw is first other-
wise it could explode. If the bat-
tery froze, make sure the inter-
nal elements are not broken
(short-circuit risk) and that the
casing is not cracked (risk of
spilling the poisonous and corro-
sive liquid).
Under no circumstances
should a battery charger
be used to start the en-
gine: it could damage the elec-
tronic systems and in particular
the ignition and injection control
units.
