Battery - Care & Handling Procedures: Overview

REF. NO. 54/22

TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS

DATE: November 1988

SUBJECT:
BATTERY CARE
ALL MODELS

This Service Information explains approved battery care and handling procedures. All batteries in Mercedes-Benz vehicles (except those mentioned in Service Information MBNA 54/25) must be handled in accordance with these procedures, particularly those in dealer stock and display vehicles. Warranty claims may be affected.

The following outline describes same of the fundamentals of battery care. For detailed information, refer to the respective topics (1 - 6) that follow.

1. SERVICING THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE.
- Observe special care when servicing the battery.
- Improper handling can result in damage.

2. TESTING
- Measure electrolyte density of each cell. 1.28 indicates a full charge.
- Perform load test to determine battery condition.

3. CHARGING
- Recharge according to battery condition. Observe recharge procedure.
- Maximum initial charging voltage is 14.4 volts.
- Overcharging can damage battery.

4. MAINTENANCE OF BATTERIES IN DEALER STOCK VEHICLES
- Batteries must be recharged every 4 weeks.
- Batteries remaining in a discharged state may suffer permanent damage.

5. REPLACEMENT BATTERIES - STORAGE AND ACTIVATION
- Use the oldest battery in stock first.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry area.

6. SAFETY WITH BATTERIES
- Always follow safety rules.
- Battery acid is highly corrosive.