2011 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 296

294 Battery G Warning workshop, e.g. an authorized MercedesBenz Center. You can also charge the battery with a charger recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further information. The battery, breather hose and cover of the positive terminal clamp must be installed securely during operation. Roadside Assistance Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while connecting. You might get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek medical help if necessary. A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc. G Warning Do not place any metal objects on the battery as this could result in a short circuit. Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk of acid burns in the event of an accident. Take care that you do not become statically charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you also should not pull or push the battery over carpets or other synthetic materials. Never touch the battery first. First, touch the outside body of the vehicle in order to release any possible electrostatic charges. Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The battery could explode if touched due to electrostatic charge or due to spark formation. i Remove the key if you park the vehicle and do not require any electrical consumers. The vehicle will then use very little energy, thus conserving battery power. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you do not carry out work on batteries yourself, e.g. removing, charging or replacing. Always have this work performed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Charging the battery G Warning Never charge a battery while still installed in the vehicle unless the accessory battery charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is being used. Gases may escape during charging and cause explosions that may result in paint damage, corrosion or personal injury. An accessory battery charge unit specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is available. It permits the charging of the battery in its installed position. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for information and availability. Charge the battery in accordance with the separate instructions for the accessory battery charger. ! Switch off the engine and remove the key before disconnecting the terminal clamps from the battery. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure that the ignition is switched off. Check that all the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster are off. You may otherwise destroy electronic components, such as the alternator. ! Like other batteries, the vehicle battery may discharge over time if you do not use the vehicle. In this case, have the battery disconnected at a qualified specialist G Warning! There is a risk of acid burns during the charging process due to the gases which