Operation Manual
Battery
104
WARNING
To avoid damaging the vehicle’s electrical
system, ensure correct polarity when
refitting the battery.
ONLY fit a replacement battery of the same
type and specification as the original. Other
batteries may vary in size and have different
terminal positions, capable of creating a
potential fire hazard if the terminals or leads
were to come into contact with the battery
clamp assembly.
DO NOT use a high speed battery charger as
a starting aid.
DO NOT let the engine run without the
battery connected.
Keep the battery upright at all times -
damage will be caused if the battery is tilted
more than 45
°
.
DO NOT charge the battery if it is suspected
of being frozen.
On Td5 models DO NOT charge the battery if
the battery condition indicator is clear or
light yellow (see ’Battery maintenance’).
On batteries fitted to Td5 models, take care
not to cover the ventilation pipe on the side
of the battery.
Battery charging
Batteries generate explosive gases, contain
corrosive acid and produce levels of electric
current sufficient to cause serious injury.
While charging, always heed the following
precautions:
• Before charging, disconnect and remove
the battery from the vehicle - charging the
battery with the cables connected may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system. On
non-Td5 models, ensure the battery is
topped up to the correct level.
• Make sure the battery charger leads are
securely clamped to the battery terminals
BEFORE switching on the battery charger.
Do not move the leads once the charger is
switched on.
• While charging, shield your eyes or avoid
leaning over the battery and keep the area
around the top of the battery well
ventilated.
• Do not allow naked lights near the battery
(batteries generate inflammable hydrogen
during and after charging).
• On Td5 models, the battery will be
charged sufficiently once the battery
condition indicator shows GREEN.
• When charging is finished, switch off the
battery charger BEFORE disconnecting the
leads from the battery terminals.
• After charging, leave the battery for an
hour BEFORE reconnection to the vehicle -
this will allow time for explosive gases to
disperse, thereby minimizing the risk of
fire or explosion.