Disconnecting/connecting the
starter battery
Important safety notes G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con-
tact with vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
R It is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
R It is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
Disconnecting the starter battery !
Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock before you loosen or
disconnect the terminal clamps. You may
otherwise destroy electronic components
such as the alternator.
Always disconnect the starter battery in the
battery case in the driver's footwell first.
! Always disconnect the battery in
the order described below. Never swap the
terminal clamps. You may otherwise dam-
age the vehicle electronics. Battery cover in the driver's footwell
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock.
X Remove the floor covering in the driver's
footwell ( Ypage 261).
X Loosen screws 0044and slide battery
cover 0043in the direction of the arrow.
The screws must protrude beyond the
larger recesses.
X Remove battery cover 0043upwards. Starter battery in the driver's footwell
X First loosen and remove the negative ter-
minal clamp so that it is no longer in contact
with the terminal.
X Remove the cover from the positive termi-
nal.
X Loosen the positive terminal clamp and fold
it up to the side together with the pre-fuse
box. 262
BatteryMaintenance and care
Disconnecting and connecting the
additional battery (engine compart-
ment)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con-
tact with vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
R It is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
R It is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
Disconnecting the additional battery !
Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock before you loosen or
disconnect the terminal clamps. You may
otherwise destroy electronic components
such as the alternator.
Always disconnect the starter battery in the
battery case in the driver's footwell first.
! Always disconnect the battery in
the order described below. Never swap the
terminal clamps. You may otherwise dam-
age the vehicle electronics. Additional battery in the engine compartment
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock.
X Open the hood (Y page 250).
X First loosen and remove the negative ter-
minal clamp so that it is no longer in contact
with the terminal.
X Remove the cover from the positive termi-
nal.
X Loosen and remove the positive terminal
clamp.
Connecting the additional battery !
Always connect the battery in the order
described below. Never swap the terminal
clamps. You may otherwise damage the
vehicle electronics.
X Connect the positive terminal clamp.
X Attach the cover to the positive terminal.
X Connect the negative terminal clamp.
X Close the hood.
Carry out the following work after connecting
the battery:
X Reset the side windows ( Ypage 79). 264
BatteryMaintenance and care
Installing and removing the additional
battery (engine compartment)
Removing the additional battery X
Disconnect the battery (Y page 264).
X Loosen the bolts holding the retainer that
prevents the battery from moving around.
X Remove the battery holder and take out the
battery.
Installing the additional battery X
Insert the battery into the battery case.
X Insert the battery holder.
X Tighten the bolts holding the retainer that
prevents the battery in the engine com-
partment from moving around.
X Connect the battery (Y page 264).Disconnecting and connecting the
auxiliary battery (base of the driver's
seat)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con-
tact with vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
R It is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected. R
It is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
Disconnecting the auxiliary battery !
Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock before you loosen or
disconnect the terminal clamps. Other-
wise, you could destroy electronic compo-
nents such as the alternator.
First disconnect the starter battery in the
engine compartment.
! Always disconnect the battery in
the order described below. Never swap the
terminal clamps. You may otherwise dam-
age the vehicle electronics.
The auxiliary battery is located in the driver's
seat base.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock.
X Fold the driver's seat cushion forward.
X First loosen and remove the negative ter-
minal clamp so that it is no longer in contact
with the terminal.
X Remove the cover from the positive termi-
nal.
X Loosen and remove the positive terminal
clamp.
Reconnecting the auxiliary battery !
Always connect the battery in the order
described below. Never swap the terminal
clamps. You may otherwise damage the
vehicle electronics.
X Connect the positive terminal clamp.
X Attach the cover to the positive terminal.
X Connect the negative terminal clamp.
X Fold the driver's seat cushion back. Battery
265Maintenance and care Z
Installing and removing the auxiliary
battery (base of the driver's seat)
Removing the auxiliary battery X
Disconnect the battery (Y page 265).
X Loosen the bolts holding the retainer that
prevents the battery from moving around in
the base of the driver's seat.
X Remove the battery holder and take out the
battery.
Installing the auxiliary battery X
Insert the battery into the battery case.
X Insert the battery holder.
X Tighten the bolts holding the retainer that
prevents the battery from moving around in
the base of the driver's seat.
X Connect the battery (Y page 265).Charging
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with
water and seek medical attention.
! Only charge the installed battery with a
battery charger that has been tested and
approved by the distributor named on the
inside of the front cover. This device allows
the battery to be charged when it is instal- led in the vehicle. The vehicle's electronics
may otherwise be damaged.
X Recharge the removed battery. Observe
the notes in the operating instructions for
your battery charger.
X Install the battery. Observe the notes on
reconnecting the battery.
i If batteries are not being used, you should
charge them once a month.
It is also possible to charge the starter bat-
tery using the jump-starting connection
point in the engine compartment
(Y page 278). Care
! Dirty battery clamps and battery surfaces
cause leak currents which lead to the bat-
teries discharging.
! Do not use cleaning agents containing
fuel. Cleaning agents containing fuel cor-
rode the battery housing.
! If dirt gets into the battery cell, battery
self-discharge will increase and the battery
may be damaged.
The following points on battery care must be
observed:
X Regularly check the battery terminals and
the fastening of the negative cable to the
chassis to ensure that they are firmly
seated.
X Always keep the battery terminals and bat-
tery surfaces clean and dry.
X Lightly grease the undersides of the battery
terminals with acid-resistant grease.
X Only clean the batteries when the caps are
screwed on.
Otherwise, dirt could get into the battery
cells.
X Unscrew the caps and clean blocked
breathers with a suitable tool such as a
piece of wire. 266
BatteryMaintenance and care
X
Take first-aid kit 0087out of the retainer.
X Fold the cover up and turn the quick-
release fasteners to position 0047.
The cover is locked.
i Check the expiration date on the first-aid
kit at least once a year. Replace any expired
or missing contents. Fire extinguisher
Removing the fire extinguisher Fire extinguisher at the front of the base of the co-
driver's seat
X Pull tabs 0044upwards.
X Take fire extinguisher 0043out of its holder.
i Please read the instructions on fire extin-
guisher 0043carefully and familiarize yourself
with its operation. Have fire extin-
guisher 0043refilled after each use and
checked every one or two years. It may
otherwise fail in an emergency.
Observe the legal requirements for each
individual country. Flat tire
Information on breakdown assistance in the
case of a flat tire can be found in the chapter
"Wheels and tires" (Y page 307). Jump-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with
water and seek medical attention.
Do not use a rapid charging device to start
the vehicle. If your vehicle's battery is dis-
charged, the engine can be jump-started from
another vehicle or from a donor battery using
jumper cables. For this purpose, the vehicle
has a jump-starting connection point in the
engine compartment.
The additional battery in the engine compart-
ment is not suitable for jump-starting opera-
tions. If your vehicle requires jump-starting,
or if you use it to jump-start another vehicle,
use the jump-starting connection point in the
engine compartment.
When jump-starting, observe the following
points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles.
If the other vehicle's battery is not acces-
sible, jump-start the vehicle using a donor
battery or a jump-starting device.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is fro-
zen. Let the battery thaw first.
R Jump-starting may only be performed from
batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V. 278
Jump-startingBreakdown assistance
R
Only use jumper cables that have a suffi-
cient cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, attach the
battery of another vehicle for a few minutes
before attempting to start. This charges the
empty battery a little.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not
touch.
Make sure that:
R the jumper cables are not damaged.
R bare parts of the terminal clamps do not
come into contact with other metal parts
while the jumper cables are connected to
the battery.
R the jumper cables cannot come into con-
tact with parts such as the V-belt pulley or
the fan. These parts move when the engine
is started and while it is running.
i Jumper cables and further information
regarding jump starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop. Before connecting the jumper cables
On vehicles with a battery main switch, check
whether the battery main switch is switched
on (Y page 136).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
X Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g.
audio equipment, blower.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it (Y page 137).
X Open the hood (Y page 250). Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 319).
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged. Tow-starting and towing away
279Breakdown assistance Z
Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
Important safety notes G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
! Do not exceed a towing speed of
31 mph (50 km/h). You could otherwise
damage the transmission.
! Always use new bolts when installing the
propeller shafts.
i Only have the propeller shafts fitted/
removed at a qualified specialist workshop.
Before towing the vehicle, observe the fol-
lowing:
R the information on towing in the event of
malfunctions (Y page 281) and
R the important safety notes (Y page 279).
Towing You may only tow the vehicle a maximum dis-
tance of 30 miles (50 km). For a towing dis-
tance of over 30 miles (50 km), you must
remove the propeller shafts to the driven
axles.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake.
X Leave the key in position 2in the ignition
lock. X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 96).
X Do not exceed the towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) and the towing distance
of 30 miles (50 km). Recovering a vehicle that is stuck
! When recovering a vehicle that has
become stuck, pull it as smoothly and
evenly as possible. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles.
If the drive wheels get trapped on loose or
muddy ground, recover the vehicle with the
utmost care. This is especially the case if the
vehicle is laden.
Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a
trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible,
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. Transporting the vehicle
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
Vehicles with automatic transmission !
Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could other-
wise damage the automatic transmission.
Information on "Jump-starting" can be found
at the beginning of the "Breakdown assis-
tance" section ( Ypage 278). 282
Tow-starting and towing awayBreakdown assistance