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Operating instructions

Battery handling warnings

In this manual: Operating instructions
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The battery is located in the engine compartment, in the water box.

Avertissements relatifs à la manipulation des batteries

CAUTION!

  • Work on the battery and electrical system carries risks of injury, burns, accidents and fire.
  • Before working on the electrical system, switch off all electrical consumers and remove the ignition key. Disconnect the negative battery cable. To replace a bulb, switch off the lights.
  • Keep the electrolyte and battery out of reach of children.
  • The electrolyte is highly corrosive. Wear gloves and protective goggles. Do not tilt the battery, otherwise electrolyte may escape through the vent openings. Make sure no acid or lead particles come into contact with eyes, skin or clothing. If electrolyte gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately with clean water for several minutes. Then consult a doctor immediately. Immediately neutralize electrolyte that gets on the skin or
  • clothing with a soap solution, then rinse thoroughly. If you have swallowed electrolyte, consult a doctor immediately.
  • Avoid creating sparks when working on cables or electrical equipment, or through electrostatic discharge. Never short-circuit the battery terminals. Risk of injury from energy-charged sparks.
  • An extremely explosive mixture of detonating gas forms when the battery is charged. Charge the battery only in well-ventilated areas.
  • To disconnect the battery from the vehicle electrical system, first disconnect the negative cable, then the positive cable.
  • Before reconnecting the battery, switch off all electrical consumers. Connect the positive cable first, then the negative cable. The connecting cables must never be swapped - risk of cable fire!
  • Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and burns! Replace the battery if it has frozen. A discharged battery can freeze from 0 °C.
  • Do not use a damaged battery - risk of explosion! Replace a damaged battery immediately.

    • Warning!


    • Never disconnect the battery from the vehicle while the ignition is switched on or the engine is running. The electrical equipment or electronic components would be damaged.
    • Do not expose the battery directly to daylight for prolonged periods, in order to protect the battery case from UV rays.

    Charging the battery

    A charged battery is essential for good engine starting performance.

    • Read the warnings in the chapter "Battery handling warnings", and
    • Switch off the ignition and all power consumers.
    • Only for "rapid charging": disconnect both connecting cables (first the "negative" cable, then the "positive" cable).
    • Connect the charger clamps to the battery terminals according to the charger manufacturer's instructions (red = "positive terminal", black or brown = "negative terminal").
    • After this, plug the charger power cable into the mains socket and switch on the charger.
    • At the end of the charging process: switch off the charger and unplug the power cable from the mains socket.
    • Then remove the charger clamps from the battery.
    • If necessary, reconnect the battery cables (first the "positive" cable, then the "negative" cable).

    Normally it is not necessary to disconnect the connecting cables from the vehicle electrical system when charging the battery with a low current (e.g. with a small charger).

    Before charging with a high current, i.e. for "rapid charging", however, you must disconnect both

    battery connection cables. Always follow the charger manufacturer's instructions,

    Rapid charging of a battery is dangerous => see Chapter

    "Warnings for handling batteries". This procedure requires a special charger and specialist knowledge. We therefore recommend having your battery rapid-charged only by a specialist workshop.

    A discharged battery can freeze at 0 °C. Before charging, a frozen battery must be thawed. => A- However, we recommend not reusing a thawed battery if possible, as the battery case may be cracked by ice and electrolyte may leak out.

    Do not open the battery caps while charging.

    CAUTION!

    Never charge a frozen battery - risk of explosion!

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