Disconnecting, removing, charging,
reinstalling and reconnecting 12‑volt
battery
Disconnecting the 12-volt battery i
If the 12-volt battery is disconnected
or discharged
R turning the key in the starter switch
will have no effect
R the transmission will remain in park
position P
For more information see “Jump
starting” (Y page 193).
X Engage the parking brake.
X Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
X Turn off all electrical accessories.
X Switch off the drive system.
X Open the passenger door.
X Move the passenger seat to the rear as far
as possible.
X Unscrew the carpet holder in the
passenger footwell (Y page 154).
X Lift the carpet. X
Unscrew fastening screw 0003
counterclockwise.
X Pull footrest 0002sideways out of the
vehicle.
X Read and observ esafety instructions and
precautions (Y page 190). !
Always disconnect the battery in the
order described below. Otherwise the
vehicle’s electronic scan be damaged.
X Disconnect the battery negative lead
from negative terminal 002B.
Make sure the negative lead does not
come into contact with the positive lead.
X Remove cover 002Afrom the positive
terminal.
X Disconnect the battery positive lead.
Removing the 12-volt battery X
Unscrew battery mount 0028.
X Remove the battery support and bracket.
X Pull out the ventilation hose from the
battery.
Depending on battery arrangement in
your vehicle model, the ventilation hose
is located either on the left or right side
of the battery.
X Remove the battery.
Charging the 12-volt battery G
WARNING
Avoid creating sparks when charging the
battery as escaping gases are flammable.
Keep open flames away from the battery and
do not smoke.
Do not touch the battery terminal with metal
objects and do not remove the battery
charger’s terminal clamps until the battery
charger has been switched off and no 192
Batteries>> Practical hints.
further gas is being discharged by the
batteries.
Only charge the battery in
awell ventilated
area.
There is a risk of acid burns during the
charging procedure due to the gases which
escape from the battery. Do not lean over
the battery when it is being charged. G
WARNING
Never charge a battery while still installed
in the vehicle. Gases may escape during
charging and cause explosions that may
result in paint damage, corrosion or
personal injury.
X Charge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
! Only use chargers of a correct and
suitable voltage.
! Never attempt to recharge a frozen
battery. Have the battery checked at a
smart center. The battery housing could
be damaged.
Reinstalling the 12-volt battery X
Reinstall the charged battery. Follow the
previously described steps in reverse
order.
! The battery, its filler caps and the
ventilation hose must always be securely
installed when the vehicle is in
operation.
Reconnecting the 12-volt battery !
Always connect the battery in the order
described below. Otherwise the
vehicle’s electronics can be damaged.
X Turn off all electrical accessories.
X Remove the key from the starter switch.
! Never invert the terminal connections! X
Connect the battery positive lead and
fasten cover 002A(Ypage 192).
X Connect battery negative lead 002B
(Y page 192).
i After battery power (e.g. due to
reconnection) was interrupted, you will
have to set the clock (Y page 90).
i Have the battery’s charge status and
acid level checked at the start of the cold
season at a an authorized electric drive
smart center. Jump starting
Notes
G
WARNING
Failure to follow these directions will
cause damage to the electronic components,
and can lead to a battery explosion and
severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with
eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does,
immediately flush affected area with
water, and seek medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive.
Keep flames or sparks away from battery,
avoid improper connection of jumper
cables, smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing
personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
! Do not tow‑start vehicle. It is not
possible to tow-start the vehicle.
Attempting to do so may seriously damage
the drivetrain which would not be
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
If the 12-volt battery is discharged, the
drive system cannot be started, regardless Jump starting
193>> Practical hints. Z