ESP SKODA YETI 2015 1.G / 5L Owner's Guide

WARNING■The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 127, in section Introduction .■
For the driving ability is always the driver's responsibility. Never drive if
you feel tired.
■
The system may not detect all cases where a break is needed.
■
Therefore, take regular, sufficient breaks during long trips.
■
There will be no system warning during the so-called micro-sleep.
Note
■ In some situations, the system may evaluate the driving incorrectly and thus
mistakenly recommend a break (e.g. sporty driving, adverse weather condi-
tions or poor road conditions).■
The system is designed primarily for use on motorways.
Function
Read and observe
on page 140 first.
From the start of the journey, the system evaluates steering behaviour. If,
while driving, there have been changes in the steering behaviours that are
evaluated by the system as indicating possible fatigue, a break recommenda-
tion is issued.
The system evaluates steering behaviour and recommends a break at speeds
of 65-200 km / h.
The system detects a break from driving when one of the following condi-
tions is met.
▶ The vehicle is stopped and the ignition switched off.
▶ The vehicle is stopped, the seat belt removed and the driver's door opened.
▶ The vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes.
If none of these conditions are met or if the driving style is not changed, the
system recommends a driving break again after 15 minutes.
Activation/deactivation
The system can be activated/deactivated via the MAXI DOT display in the
Assis-tants
menu option » page 44.
Information messages
Read and observe
on page 140 first.
In MAXI DOT display the icon appears for a few seconds  and the following
message.
Driver alert.

Take a break!
An audible signal is also emitted.
Tyre pressure monitoring
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Save tyre pressure values
141
The tyre pressure monitoring function (hereinafter referred to as the system)
monitors the tyre pressure while driving.
If the rolling circumference of a wheel is changed, the warning light  in the
instrument cluster lights up and an audible signal sounds.
Information on the procedure for the notification of change of tyre inflation
pressure » page 38 .
The system can only function properly if the tyres have the prescribed inflation
pressure and these pressure values are stored in the system.
WARNING■ The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 127, in section Introduction .■
Having the correct tyre inflation pressure is always the driver's responsi-
bility. Tyre pressure should be checked regularly » page 176.
■
The system cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss,
e.g. in case of sudden tyre damage.
140Driving

The ŠKODA Service Partners are up-to-date on the legally required tests and
will prepare the vehicle for the tests as part of a service operation if required,
or will be responsible for carrying out these tests. The specialist garages can
carry out the specified tests directly if required by the customer if they are au-
thorised to do so. This saves you time and money.
Even if you want to take your vehicle to an officially approved test centre for
prior checking in preparation of a legally required test, we recommend that you
consult the service consultant of your ŠKODA Service Partner beforehand.
Based on their appraisal, the service consultant will tell you which areas you
should focus on in order to ensure that your vehicle will pass the technical test
without any problems. This allows you to avoid additional expenses resulting
from a possible subsequent test.
ŠKODA Service Partners
Read and observe
on page 149 first.
ŠKODA Service Partners feature modern, specially developed tools and equip-
ment. Here, trained specialists have access to a comprehensive range of
ŠKODA Original Parts and ŠKODA Original Accessories for carrying out modifi-
cations, repairs and technical alterations.
All ŠKODA service partners operate according to the most recent guidelines
and instructions from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. All service and repair work is therefore
carried out on time and at the appropriate quality. Adhering to these instruc-
tions and guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps keep your vehicle in a
good technical condition.
ŠKODA Service Partners are therefore properly prepared to service your vehicle
and to provide quality work. We therefore advise you to have all modifications,
repairs and technical alterations to your vehicle carried out by a ŠKODA Service
Partner.
ŠKODA Original parts
Read and observe
on page 149 first.
We recommend the use of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for your vehicle, as these
parts are approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s.. They correspond precisely to the
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. regulations with regard to design, dimensional accuracy and
material, and are identical to the components used in series production.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. is able to vouch for the safety, suitability and long service life of these products. We therefore recommend that you only use ŠKODA Genuine
Parts.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. supplies the market with a complete range of ŠKODA Genu-
ine Parts - not only while the model is still in production but for at least 15
years after the end of series production for wear parts and at least 10 years
after the end of series production for all other vehicle parts.
ŠKODA Service Partners are liable for any defects of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for a period of 2 years after sale in accordance with the materials defect liability,
unless agreed otherwise in the purchase agreement. You should keep the ap-
proved warranty certificate and the invoices for these components for this pe-
riod of time, so that the commencement of the term can be verified.
Body repairs
ŠKODA vehicles are designed such that if any damage occurs to the body, it is
only necessary to replace those parts that are actually damaged.
However, before you decide to have damaged body parts replaced, you should
first of all contact your specialist garage to determine whether or not the parts
can also be repaired. Repairs to body parts are usually cheaper.
ŠKODA Original accessories
Read and observe
on page 149 first.
If you wish to fit accessories to your vehicle, you should remember the follow-ing:
We recommend that you use ŠKODA Genuine Accessories in your vehicle.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. has selected these accessories to ensure that they are relia-
ble, safe and suitable for your particular vehicle. Although we constantly moni-
tor the market, we are not able to assess or vouch for other products even
though in some instances such parts may have operational approval or may
have been approved by a nationally recognised testing laboratory.
All accessory products are subjected to a challenging process in the areas of technical development (technical testing) and quality inspection (customer
testing), and the product only becomes a ŠKODA Genuine Accessory if all tests
are passed.
Our ŠKODA Genuine Accessories service also includes expert advice and pro-
fessional fitting if required by the customer. 
150General Maintenance

■Do not attach any stickers to the filaments or glass antenna - there is risk of
damage.■
Do not clean the roof panelling with a brush – there is a risk of damage to
the surface of the panelling.
■
Cleaner that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
Note
Due to the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential
problems with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle, we recom-
mend that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle be carried out by a
ŠKODA service partner.
Natural leather
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
The leather needs, depending on the strain placed on it, regular cleaning andmaintenance.
Dust and dirt in pores and creases cause abrasions on the surface and lead to
premature embrittlement of the leather surface. Therefore, they must be re-
moved regularly at short intervals with a cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Clean soiled leather surfaces with a water-dampened cotton or woollen cloth
and then dry with a clean, dry cloth »
.
Clean severely soiled areas with a cloth soaked in a mild soap solution (2 ta-
blespoons of neutral soap to 1 litre of water).
To remove stains , use a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose.
Treat the leather periodically with a suitable leather protector and use a skin
care cream with light blocker and impregnation after each cleaning.
CAUTION
■ Ensure that no part of the leather is soaked through during cleaning and that
no water gets into the seams. Otherwise, the leather could become brittle or
cracked.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the
leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,
protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it.
■
The use of an additional mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the
leather surface of the steering wheel.
■ Some clothing materials, e.g. dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fast-
ness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers,
even when used correctly. This applies particularly to light-coloured seat cov-
ers. This does not relate to a fault in the seat cover, but rather to poor colour
fastness of the clothing textiles.■
Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts etc may leave permanent scratches or signs of rubbing on the sur-
face or damage these. Such damage cannot be subsequently recognised as a
justified complaint.
Note
When using the vehicle, minor visible changes may occur to the leather parts
of the covers (e.g. wrinkles or creases) as a result of the stress applied to the
covers.
Artificial leather, materials and Alcantara ®
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
Artificial leather
Clean artificial leather with a damp cloth.
If this method does not completely clean the artificial leather, use a mild soap solution or cleaning products specially designed for this purpose.
Fabric
Clean upholstery cover materials and cloth trims on doors, boot cover, etc. us-
ing specific cleaning agents, e.g., dry foam.
Use a soft sponge, brush, or commercially available microfibre cloth.
Use a cloth and a cleaning agent specifically designed for this purpose to clean
the roof trim.
Remove any lumps on the cover fabric and any fabric residue using a brush.
Remove stubborn hair using a “cleaning glove”.
Alcantara ®
Dust and dirt in pores, creases and seams may chafe and damage the surface.
Therefore, they must be removed regularly at short intervals with a cloth or
vacuum cleaner.
Minor changes in colour caused by use are normal. 
158General Maintenance

Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Petrol and diesel refuelling
160
Lead-free petrol
161
Diesel fuel
162
The correct fuel grades for your vehicle are specified on the inside of the fuel
filler flap » Fig. 163 on page 160 .
WARNING■
The operating instructions of the refuelling system must always be fol-
lowed.■
Do not smoke when refuelling and do not use a mobile phone.
■
Fuel vapours are explosive - can be fatal!
CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of
fuel can cause misfiring, which can result in damage to parts of the engine and
the exhaust system.■
Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled onto the vehicle's paintwork –
risk of paint damage.
■
If the vehicle was not purchased in the country where it was intended to be
operated, you should check whether the fuel specified by the manufacturer is
offered in the country where the vehicle will be operated. You should also per-
haps check whether the manufacturer has recommended a different fuel for
operation of the vehicle in the corresponding country. If no prescribed fuel is
available, then you must check whether it is permitted by the manufacturer to
operate the vehicle with another fuel type.
Petrol and diesel refuellingFig. 163
Open fuel filler flap / unscrew tank cap / place the tank cap on
the fuel filler flap
Read and observe
and on page 160 first.
Refuelling can be done if the following conditions are met. The vehicle is unlocked.
The engine and the ignition are switched off.
The auxiliary heating and ventilation is switched off » page 110.
Vehicles with lockable fuel filler flap
›
Press on the fuel filler flap in the direction of the arrow
1
accordingly
» Fig. 163 .
›
Open the cover in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Unscrew the tank cap in the direction of the arrow
3
.
›
Remove the tank cap and place on top of the fuel filler flap in direction of ar-
row
4
.
›
Insert the pump nozzle into the fuel filler tube as far as it will go.
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time »
.
›
Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel filler neck and put it back in the
pump.
›
Place the filler cap onto the fuel filler neck and turn it in the opposite direc-
tion to the arrow until it securely engages
3
.
›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly. 
160General Maintenance

Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol in accordance with the EN 228 standard 1)
meets all the condi-
tions for a smooth-running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel ad-
ditives are used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine
or the exhaust system.
CAUTION
■ Even one filling of the tank with petrol that does not meet the standards can
lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system!■
If a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. leaded petrol) is put in the tank by mistake, do not start the en-
gine or switch on the ignition. Extensive damage to engine parts can occur.
CAUTION
■ If petrol with a lower octane number than the one prescribed is used do not
drive with a high engine speed. A high engine load can severely damage en-
gine components.■
Even in the event of an emergency, petrol of a lower octane number than 91
RON must not be used, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged.
CAUTION
In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese or iron content. There is a risk of causing severe damage to
parts of the engine or exhaust system.
CAUTION
Fuels with metal components, such as LRP (lead replacement petrol) must
not be used. There is a risk of causing severe damage to parts of the engine
or exhaust system.Note■ Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the
engine can be used without limitations.■
On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON, the use of
petrol with a higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a noticea-
ble power increase or a lower fuel consumption.
■
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of pet-
rol with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and re-
duce fuel consumption.
Diesel fuel
The correct fuel grades for your vehicle are specified on the inside of the fuel
filler flap.
Read and observe
and on page 160 first.
The vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel that meets the EN 5902)
standard.
All diesel engines can be operated using diesel fuel with at most 7% biodiesel
(B7) 3)
.
On the Indian market, your vehicle will only be able to run on diesel fuel com-
pliant with standard IS 1460/Bharat IV. If diesel fuel which complies with this
standard is not available, you can refuel with diesel fuel according to standard
IS 1460/Bharat III in case of emergency.
Operation in winter - Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operate
properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel
fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. ŠKODA Partners
and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with in-
formation regarding the diesel fuels available. 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane number 91 or 95 or DIN 51626-2 or E5
for unleaded petrol with octane number 95 and 98.
2)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
3)
In Germany according to the DIN 52638 standard, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
162General Maintenance

Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures opera-
tion of a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of
-25 °C.
Diesel fuel additives
The diesel fuel in accordance with the prescribed standards meets all the con-
ditions for a smooth running engine. We therefore recommend that no diesel
fuel additives are used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the
engine or the exhaust system.
CAUTION
■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the
standard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and ex-
haust system.■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above men-
tioned standards (e.g. petrol) is put into the tank, do not start the engine or
switch on the ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle cannot be operated with biofuel RME, therefore this fuel must
not be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel RME can cause considerable
damage to parts of the engine or fuel system.■
Do not mix any fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar
agents) into the diesel. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the
engine or the exhaust system.
AdBlue ®
and its refilling
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Tank and level check
164
AdBlue ®
replenish
164
In order to reduce pollutant emissions from vehicles with diesel engines and
the SCR catalyst, a urea - AdBlue ®
solution is injected into the exhaust system.
For vehicles with the AdBlue ®
injection system there is a note on the inside of
the fuel filler flap referring to the location of the AdBlue ®
filler neck and the
AdBlue ®
minimum replenishment amount, that is required by a low AdBlue ®
level.
AdBlue ®
standard
Only use AdBlue ®
that corresponds to the standard ISO 22241-1.
AdBlue ®
consumption
The AdBlue ®
consumption amounts to around 1.2-1.6 l/1000 km.
The AdBlue ®
consumption depends on driving style, the operating tempera-
ture of the system and on the weather conditions.
For information on storing AdBlue ®
▶ Keep AdBlue ®
only in original sealed containers and in a safe place.
▶ Keep the container out of the reach of children.
▶ Do not expose the containers to direct sunlight or temperatures above 30° C.
Instructions for cleaning ▶ If any painted vehicle parts, clothing and carpets are splashed with AdBlue ®
wash the affected area with a damp cloth and plenty of cold water.
▶ Remove any dried AdBlue ®
with warm water and a sponge.WARNING■ AdBlue ®
is an irritating and corrosive solution that can injure the skin,
eyes and respiratory system!■
If AdBlue ®
comes into contact with skin or eyes, wash the affected area
immediately for at least. 15 minutes with water and seek medical attention
immediately.
■
If AdBlue ®
is swallowed rinse your mouth with water for at least 15 mi-
nutes and consult a doctor immediately.
CAUTION
■ Never carry containers with AdBlue ®
permanently in the vehicle - there is a
risk of damage to the vehicle interior.■
Never add water or other additives AdBlue ®
. 
163Inspecting and replenishing

›Fill the AdBlue ®
through the filler A according to the instructions on the re-
fill bottle » .›
After filling AdBlue ®
put the tank cap on the fuel filler neck and turn in the
opposite direction of the arrow
4
until it reaches the stop.
›
Close the filler cap in the opposite direction to the arrow
3
.
›
Store the box for the vehicle tools in the same place.
›
Fold back the floor in the luggage compartment.
Before driving
›
After filling AdBlue ®
only switch on the ignition and leave it on for at least 30
s, so that the refilling can be recognized by the system.
Only then start the engine.
CAUTION
Make sure that when refilling AdBlue ®
the interior of the vehicle is not splash-
ed - there is a risk of damage to the interior.
Note
The working life of the AdBlue ®
solution is 4 years. After this time, the solution
must be replaced by a specialist garage.
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
166
Engine compartment overview
167
Radiator fan
167
Windscreen washer system
167WARNINGInjuries or scolding or risks of accident or fire may occur when working in
the engine compartment. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions outlined below and with the general applicable safety
rules. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Turn off the engine and remove the ignition key.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
■
On vehicles with automatic transmission, shift the selector lever into the
P position.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant
is escaping.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine room■Keep all people, especially children, away from the engine compartment.■
Never touch the radiator fan. The fan might suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts, e.g. V-ribbed belt, gener-
ator, radiator fan - danger to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system, particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk to life! Always remove any jewellery,
tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any
work.
WARNINGInformation for working on the fuel system or the electrical system■Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby. 
165Inspecting and replenishing

The coolant additive share in the coolant must be at least. 40%.
The coolant additive may be increased to a maximum of 60%.
The correct mixing ratio of water and coolant additive is to be checked if nec-
essary by a specialist garage or is to be restored if necessary.
The description of the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 170 on page 170 .WARNINGThe engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 165.■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
CAUTION
■  Do not continue if for some reason it is not possible to fill with coolant un-
der the current circumstances! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from
a specialist garage.■
If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
fill with air - risk of engine damage, 
stop driving! Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under
40%.
■
Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and cooling effect.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specification can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection of the cooling system.
■ Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage.■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 170 on page 170 .
■
If an error occurs, leading to the engine overheating, the help of a professio-
nal garage is to be sought - there is a risk of serious engine damage occurring.
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Note
The coolant capacity is approximately 1 l greater on vehicles that are fitted
with an auxiliary heater (auxiliary heating and ventilation).
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 170
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 170 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion reservoir » Fig. 170
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level
The coolant level should be kept between the marks
A
and
B
.
The coolant can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are sat-
isfied.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The engine is not heated.
The bonnet is open. 
AB170General Maintenance

A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-
tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid
level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” mark-
ing.
Too low brake fluid level is indicated by the warning light 
being shown on
the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corresponding message
» page 33 , 
Brake system .
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 171 first.
To ensure the optimal functioning of the braking system, only use a brake fluid
meeting the standard VW 501 14 (this standard meets the requirements of
FMVSS 116 DOT4).
Note
We recommend using brake fluids from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening the cover
173
Checking the battery electrolyte level
173
Charging
174
Replacing
175
Disconnecting and reconnecting
175
Automatic load deactivation
175
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for
the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Warning symbols on the vehicle batterySymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection.Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery.WARNINGThere is risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
working on the battery and on the electrical system. The general applicable
safety rules and the following warnings must be observed without excep-
tion.■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent, especially children.
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings.
■
Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles or a face shield – risk of
blindness!
■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled
with the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivi-
tis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and, if it comes into contact with the
skin, causes deep wounds that take a long time to heal.
■
If any battery acid comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the affected
eye immediately with clean water for several minutes and consult a doctor
immediately!
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water.
■
If you swallow battery acid, consult a doctor immediately! 
172General Maintenance

Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
Checking
Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
For technical reasons, the electrolyte level cannot be checked on vehicles with
the designation “AGM” .
Vehicles with the START STOPsystem are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for recurring engine starts.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist
garage, especially in the following cases. ▶ High external temperatures.
▶ Longer day trips.
▶ After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tem-
peratures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures
just below 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
recharged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 172 first.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
A charging operation can be performed if the following conditions are satis-
fied.
The engine is turned off.
The ignition is switched off.
All consumers are turned off.
The bonnet is open.
“Fast charging” with high currents›Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”, then “positive”).›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
Charging with low voltages
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables from the battery if you recharge
the vehicle battery, for example from a mini-charger.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
WARNING■ When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive
gas mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling
over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is
on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with metal ob-
jects - cables) creates a short circuit - risk of damage to the battery, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical consumers and disconnect the negative
terminal 
.
■
“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
■
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be “rapidly charged” by a
specialist garage. 
174General Maintenance