#
Do not connect or disconnect the battery
terminals with the engine running.
&
WARNING Risk of explosion due to a mix-
ture of explosive gases
A mixture of explosive gases can escape from
the battery during charging and jump starting.
#
Fire, open flames, smoking and creating
sparks must be avoided.
#
Make sure that there is sufficient ventila-
tion.
#
Do not stand over the battery.
&
WARNING Risk of explosion from a frozen
battery
A discharged battery may freeze at tempera-
tures slightly above or below freezing point.
During starting assistance or battery charging,
battery gas can be released.
#
Always allow a battery to thaw before
charging it or performing starting assis-
tance.
If the warning/indicator lamps do not light up in
the instrument cluster at temperatures around or
below freezing, it is highly probable that the dis-
charged battery has frozen.
In this case, observe the following points:
R
Do not give the vehicle starting assistance or
charge the battery.
R
The service life of a battery that has been
thawed may be reduced drastically.
R
The starting behavior may deteriorate, particu-
larly at low temperatures.
R
It is recommended that you have a thawed bat-
tery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
*
NOTE Damage caused by numerous or
extended attempts to start the engine
Numerous or extended attempts to start the
engine may damage the catalytic converter
due to non-combusted fuel.
#
Avoid numerous and extended attempts
to start the engine.
When jump-starting and charging the batteries,
observe the following points:
R
Only use undamaged jumper cables/charging
cables with a sufficient cross-section and insu-
lated terminal clamps
R
Non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps
must not come into contact with other metal
parts while the jumper cables/charging cables
are connected to the battery/jump-start con-
nection point
R
The jumper cables/charging cables must not
come into contact with any parts which may
move when the engine is running
R
Make sure that neither you nor the battery is
electrostatically charged
R
Avoid fire and open flames
R
Do not lean over a battery
R
When charging: only use a battery charger that
has been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz and read the operating instructions for
your charger before charging the batteries
Observe the additional following points during
starting assistance:
R
Starting assistance may only be provided using
batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
R
The vehicles must not touch each other
R
Vehicles with a gasoline engine: only perform
starting assistance when the engine and
exhaust system are cold
#
Vehicles with a battery main switch: check
whether the battery main switch is inserted
(
/
page 122).
#
Secure the vehicle using the parking brake.
#
Vehicles with automatic transmission: shift the
transmission to position
j
.
#
Vehicles with manual transmission: shift to
neutral.
#
Switch off the vehicle and all electrical con-
sumers.
#
Open the hood (
/
page 212).
230 Breakdown assistance