2010 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 286

284 Battery Keep children away. Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The battery could explode if touched due to electrostatic charge or due to spark formation. Follow the instructions in this Operator's Manual. Practical hints A battery contains materials that can harm the environment if disposed of improperly. A large 12 V storage battery contains lead. Recycling of the battery is the preferred method of disposal. Many states (USA only) or provinces (Canada only) require sellers of batteries to accept the old battery for recycling. G Warning! Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death. 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. ! 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 damaged. VRLA batteries do not require topping-up of the electrolyte level. They cannot be opened to check the electrolyte level. However, the battery condition must be checked periodically by performing a battery conductance test. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for battery condition testing intervals. The factory-equipped battery may only be replaced with a battery that Rhas the same security features Ris of identical size Ris of identical voltage Ris of identical capacity ! As any other battery, the battery may discharge if you do not operate the vehicle for an extended period of time. Have the battery disconnected at a qualified workshop or an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center in such a case. You may also connect an accessory battery charge unit expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to maintain the battery charge. Contact an authorized MercedesBenz Center for further information. The battery, the battery ventilation hose and the lateral plug must always be securely installed when the vehicle is in operation. G Warning! Do not place metal objects on the battery as this could result in a short circuit. Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk of acid burns in the event of an accident. Take care that you do not become statically charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you also should not pull or push the battery over carpets or other synthetic materials. Never touch the battery first. First touch the outside body of the vehicle in order to release any possible electrostatic charges.