Advice
Checking the electrolyte level of the
v ehic
l
e battery Fig. 248
In the engine compartment: remove
the lid fr om the
v
ehicle's battery. Fig. 249
In the engine compartment: lift off
the c o
v
er from the vehicle's battery. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 41
The battery's electrolyte level should be
checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. Other
batterie
s do not require maintenance.
Start-Stop systems ( ››› page 207) are equip-
ped with a special battery labelled “AGM”.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to
check the electrolyte level of these batteries
Preparations
● Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine
compar
tment ››› page 268
● Open the bonnet ›››
page 268.
Opening the battery cover
The battery covers are different depending on
the engine size of the vehicle:
● In the case of a lid: pres
s the tab ››› Fig. 248
A in the direction of the arrow and pull the
c o
v
er upwards.
● In the case of a cover: fol
d the cover to one
side to remove ››› Fig. 249.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
● Make sure there is sufficient lighting to
cle
arly recognise the colours. Never use
flames or flashing objects as a light source.
● Depending on the level of acid, the Magic
eye on the top of
the battery will change col-
our.
Colour in-
dicatorNecessary operations
Light yellow
or ColourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's bat-
tery is too low. Have the battery checked
and, where applicable, replaced by a
specialised workshop.
BlackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's bat-
tery is correct. WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a
risk of
corrosion, explosions or electric
shock.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid
coul
d spill out of the openings for the release
of gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediate-
ly rinse
your eyes and skin abundantly with
water for several minutes. Then seek medical
care immediately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a
doctor immediat
ely. Charging, replacing and connecting or
di
s
c
onnecting the battery Charging the battery
The
vehic
le battery should be charged by a
specialised workshop only, as batteries us-
ing special technology have been installed
282
