jump cable MERCEDES-BENZ R350 2007 R171 Owner's Manual

507 Practical hints
Battery
!The battery is a valve-regulated lead acid
(VRLA) battery, also referred to as “fleece”
battery. Such batteries do not require topping-up
of the electrolyte level. VRLA batteries therefore
do not have cell caps and the battery cover is
non-removable. Do not attempt to open the
battery as otherwise the battery will be dam-
aged.
Even though VRLA batteries do not require
topping-up of the electrolyte level and cannot be
opened to check the electrolyte level, the
battery condition must be checked periodically
by performing a battery conductance test. Refer
to Maintenance Booklet for battery condition
testing intervals.
As with any other battery, the battery may
discharge if the vehicle is not operated for an
extended period of time. You can connect a
battery maintenance charge unit tested and
approved for use on your vehicle model or dis-
connected the battery to prevent battery dis-
charge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center for more information.!The factory-equipped VRLA battery is
leak-proofed. Only use a battery as replacement
that has the same security features and is of
identical size, voltage, and capacity as the
factory-equipped battery.
The battery, the battery ventilation and the later-
al plug must always be securely installed when
the vehicle is in operation.
Warning!G
Jump starting must only be done using the
jump-start contacts located in the engine
compartment (
page 514).
Warning!G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(
page 506).
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.

514 Practical hints
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start contacts in the en-
gine compartment (
page 515).

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic
converter
1 are cold.

Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.

Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Use only jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.

Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans or other
parts that move when the engine is
started or running.
Warning!G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, 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 very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
1Vehicles with gasoline engine only.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several unsuc-
cessful starting attempts, have it checked at the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by repeated
failed starting attempts may damage the cata-
lytic converter
1.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have loose
or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch any
other metal part while the other end is still at-
tached to a battery.

516 Practical hints
Jump starting
Connect positive terminals2 and 4
with the jumper cable. Clamp cable to
charged battery 4 first.
Start engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.
Connect negative terminals1 and 3
of the batteries with the jumper cable.
Clamp cable to charged battery 3
first.
Start the engine of the disabled vehi-
cle.You can now turn on the electrical con-
sumers. Do not switch on the headlamps
under any circumstances.
Remove the jumper cables first from
negative terminals1 and 3 and then
from the positive terminals2 and 4.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
Have the battery checked at the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
!Never invert the terminal connections!


518 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle or you are being towed, the towing
eye bolt can be screwed into threaded
holes which are located behind covers on
the right-hand side of each bumper.
Example illustration R 500
1Towing eye cover
Example illustration R 500
1Towing eye cover
!Towing of the vehicle should only be done
using the towing eye. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame or
suspension parts.
iWhen towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and
the ignition in position2 (
page 39), the vehicle
doors lock if the left front wheel is turning at a
speed of approx. 9 mph (15 km / h) or above.
To prevent the vehicle doors from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking
(
page 130).
iTo signal turns while being towed with
hazard warning flasher in use, set the starter
switch to position2 and activate combination
switch for left or right turn signal in usual manner
– only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warn-
ing flasher will operate again.
iIf the battery is disconnected or discharged,
the automatic transmission will remain locked in
positionP and the SmartKey will not turn in the
starter switch. For more information, see “Bat-
tery” (
page 506) and “Jump starting”
(
page 514).
Warning!G
In order to avoid possible serious burns or
injury, use extreme caution when removing
the cover, because the rear exhaust pipe is
extremely hot.