● Never charge a 12-volt vehicle battery which is frozen or has been frozen. A discharged 12-volt vehicle battery can already freeze at temperatures around 0°C. The 12-volt vehi- cle battery must be replaced if it has ever frozen. Preparations – Instructions for safe operation in engine bay. → page 165 – Open the bonnet → page 165. Checking the electrolyte level (12-volt vehicle battery with battery window) – Ensure that enough light is available for you to clearly see the colour indicator in the round window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle bat- tery (Arrow) → Fig. 143 Do not use naked flames or objects flashing sparks as lighting.
● Do not expose the 12-volt vehicle battery to direct sunlight for an extended period. Ultra- violet radiation can damage the battery hous- ing. NOTICE ● Protect the 12-volt vehicle battery against frost if the vehicle is left standing for extended periods. – The colour displayed in the round battery win- dow changes according to the electrolyte level in the 12-volt vehicle battery. When you start the engine after the 12-volt battery has been totally discharged or after jump starting, you may find that system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programming) have been changed or deleted.
Check and correct the settings as necessary once the 12-volt vehicle battery has been sufficiently charged. Light yellow or without colour The electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low. Have the 12-volt vehicle battery re- placed by a correspondingly qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership. The electrolyte level of the 12- volt vehicle battery is correct. black jump lead WARNING Checking the battery Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns, fire or electric shocks! Please refer to and on page 165 and and at the start of the chapter on page 179.
● Always wear protective gloves and eye pro- tection! ● Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Im- proper handling can burn the skin and even cause blindness. When working with the 12- volt vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protected from acid spillage. ● Never tilt the 12-volt vehicle battery. Elec- trolyte may spill out of the gas vents and cause severe burns. ● Never open a 12-volt vehicle battery. ● If acid comes into contact with the eyes or skin, rinse the affected area gently with wa- ter for a few minutes. Then consult a doctor immediately. Fig. 143 On the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery:
battery window (illustration) ● If you drink electrolyte by mistake, consult a doctor immediately! The electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle bat- tery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older 12-volt ve- hicle batteries. The 12-volt vehicle battery is oth- erwise maintenance-free. Owner's manual 180