Charging
G
WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery, gases
can escape from the battery. There is a risk of
an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up in
the instrument cluster when temperatures are
low, it is probably because the discharged bat-
tery has frozen. Should this be the case, do not
jump-start the vehicle or charge the battery. The
service life of a thawed battery may be shorter.
Start-up behavior may deteriorate, in particular
at low temperatures. Have the thawed battery
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
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 skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
!
Only charge the installed battery with a bat-
tery charger that has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. This device
allows the battery to be charged when it is
installed in the vehicle. The vehicle's elec-
tronics system may otherwise be damaged.
!
Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
A battery charger unit specially adapted for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an
accessory. Only this device permits the charging
of the battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Commercial Van
Center for information and availability. Read the
operating instructions for your charger before
charging the battery.
Recharge the battery more frequently if you use
the vehicle mainly for short trips and/or drive at
low outside temperatures.
Only charge the installed battery with a battery
charger that has been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz, using the jump-start connec-
tion point in the engine compartment.
X
Connect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground terminal in the same
order as when connecting the donor battery in
the jump-starting procedure (
Y
page 263).
i
Recharge uninstalled, out of service batter-
ies every 3 months. This will counter self-dis-
charging and prevent battery damage.
Care
!
Dirty battery clamps and battery surfaces
cause leak currents which lead to the batter-
ies discharging.
!
Do not use cleaning agents containing fuel.
Cleaning agents containing fuel corrode 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 battery
surfaces clean and dry.
X
Lightly grease the undersides of the battery
terminals with acid-resistant grease.
X
Only clean the battery casing with a commer-
cially available cleaning product.
254
Battery
Maintenance
and
care
