WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious
personal injury on contact.
Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan.
Contact with the blades can cause serious personal injury. Al-
ways remember that the radiator fan is temperature-controlled
and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been
switched off for a while and the key has been removed from the
ignition.
If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is
running, there are more risks from the rotating parts, such as
the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-
voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair
do not get caught in rotating engine parts. Before starting
any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie back
and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang
down and get caught in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to
be depressed to perform a check. The vehicle will start to
move even if the electronic parking brake is on.
Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for ex-
ample cleaning rags and tools. Objects left behind can cause
malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
Automatic electrical load deactivation
If the vehicle battery drain is high, the intelligent onboard electrical
system management automatically takes steps to help prevent bat-
tery drain.
The idle speed is increased so that the alternator provides more
power.
The power to devices that consume a lot of electricity is cut back or
switched off completely.
When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12 Volt sockets
is temporarily interrupted.
The onboard electrical system management cannot always keep the
battery from being drained. For example, the battery will drain if the
engine is not running, but the ignition is switched on or the parking
lights are left on for a long time when parked.
Battery disconnection in an accident with airbag deployment
In vehicles with a battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical
connection to the battery is disconnected automatically in a collision
with airbag deployment. This helps to prevent a short-circuit.
What drains the vehicle battery?
Long periods when the engine is not running, especially when the
ignition is on.
Using electrical systems or devices when the engine is switched
off.
Leaving the vehicle unlocked for several days when not in use.
The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position
other than P when the ignition is switched off ⇒ Automatic transmis-
sion: Selector lever.
WARNING
Failure to use the proper battery with proper mounting and
connections may cause short circuits, fires, and serious per-
sonal injuries.
Always use only maintenance-free or cycle-free, leak-proof
batteries with the same specifications and dimensions as the
original equipment battery. Specifications are listed on the bat-
tery housing.
