Recall - Battery Electrolite Level Inspection: Overview

Campaign No. 2001120004
February 2002

FILE:
SERVICE:
GROUP 00 OF SERVICE INFORMATION BINDER

PARTS:
GROUP I OF INFORMATION - PARTS & ACCESSORIES BINDER

TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS

SUBJECT:
MODEL 202 (M.Y. 1998 and 1999)
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL

DCAG has determined that C-Class vehicles in this group have scheduled battery maintenance that may not be sufficient to maintain proper electrolyte levels for your Hoppecke starter battery. The battery electrolyte level may be below minimum as indicated by the lower marker line on the battery case, prior to the "B" service interval.





The battery (G1, Figure 1) is located on the right hand side of the trunk.

Approximately 65,823 vehicles are involved, for your reference, an Effective Serial Number Range Chart is listed.

Note:
All affected vehicles are Sindelfingen (plant code: A) built.





Effective Serial Number Range

Checking Battery Electrolyte Level Procedure

1. Prior to performing this Recall Campaign, please check VMI to insure the vehicle is involved and to determine if the vehicle has been previously repaired.

Danger!
Explosion hazard from explosive gas.

2. Prior to performing this Recall Campaign, carefully review and adhere to the safety instructions as indicated in the following documents: See WIS: A554.10-Z-0001-01A and AH54.1O-Z-OOO1-O1A. Additionally, prior to performing this Recall Campaign, review this document entirely

3. Open trunk and fold up trunk floor cover to gain access to the battery.

4, Visually inspect the battery (G1, Figure 1) for any external damage. Replace the battery if any acid leaks are visible.

5. Inspect the battery terminals (4, and arrow, Figure 1) for any white colored crystals which indicate an acid leak at that point. Replace any battery where white crystals are present on the battery terminals.





6. Next visually inspect the acid level in each cell by opening each vent cap, making sure that the acid level is to the lower edge of the filler neck (b, Figure 2).

7. If the battery acid is below the upper marking line, carefully refill battery to the upper marking line with distilled water, using an appropriate Automatic Battery Filler (see Equipment Information Table). Ensure that all vent caps are securely tightened.

8. Ensure that the 90° vent fitting (7, Figure 1) is plugged into the battery case and that the vent line (5, Figure 1) vents the battery vapors overboard. Also check battery case plug (8, Figure 1) for tightness.

9. Check for tightness, both positive and negative battery cable connections (3, 4, Figure 1) at battery posts.

10. Check positive battery terminal cover (6, Figure 1) for fit, correct as necessary

11. Check bolts (1, Figure 1) of the battery mount (2, Figure 1) for tightness.





12. Affix battery maintenance stickers (as supplied), 1 into the owner's manual (see Affected Owners Manual Table below) and 1 onto the R/H rear control module box (near "Battery in Trunk" label, A, Figure 3) located in the engine compartment.





Affected Owners Manuals





Parts Information





Equipment Information - Reference (local purchase)





Warranty Information