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Before attempting to charge a battery, be aware of all the safety
precautions you should observe during the charging operation.
• Always turn the charger off before attaching, rocking, or
removing the terminal clamps.
• Keep vent caps in place.
• Keep open flames and sparks away from the battery.
• Charge in well ventilated area.
• Follow the battery charger manufacturer’s instructions.
Specific charging rates or times are difficult to detail due to a
number of other features such as:
1. The electrical capacity of the battery.
2. Temperature of the electrolyte.
3. Battery state of charge at the start of the charging period.
4. Battery age and condition.
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system
beyond the battery, the air bag system must be electrically
disabled. Never indiscriminately probe
the electrical wiring/connector in the vicinity of the
steering column.
The wiring and harness connector of most air bag systems
are bright yellow; do not interfere with any harness of this
colour. As an added safety measure it
is recommended
that no person should remain seated behind the steering
wheel while any electrical service work is carried out on
the vehicle.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
1. Make sure the engine, lights and any accessories are
turned off before removing old battery.
2. Check if vehicle has a computerised electrical system.
3. Vehicles with on board computer systems require an
alternative power source to maintain electronic
memory when battery is disconnected.
4. Disconnection of the battery on such a vehicle may
cause damage to the main computer or other segments
of the vehicle’s electronically controlled equipment,
without a memory minder.
REMOVAL OF OLD BATTERY:
1. Note location of positive terminal and mark polarity on
positive cable. Remove the ground terminal first. This
precaution is necessary to avoid damage to wiring and
the battery by accidentally grounding tools.
2. Remove second terminal. Undo hold down and
remove battery.
NEW BATTERY INSTALLATION:
1. Inspect tray and area for corrosion.
If necessary, scrub the area with water and baking
soda and rinse with water.
2. Corroded steel parts should be dried and painted
with acid proof paint. Terminals should be cleaned
and brushed.
3. Cable and starter motor connections should be
checked and tightened if necessary.
4. If terminal clamps or cables are badly corroded, they
should be replaced.
5. Place the new battery in the tray ensuring it sits
level and that terminal posts are positioned as for
the old battery.
6. Place and tighten hold downs securely so that the
battery cannot move in the tray.
7. Apply a thin coating of high temperature grease to the
posts and cable connections.
8. Replace cables ensuring that the ground terminal
is connected last. Tighten connections.
NB: Do not over tighten.
Never hammer cable connections onto battery posts, as
this can damage the battery posts and cover.
Vehicle Jump Starting
WARNING
Modern vehicles with electronic management systems
should not be jump started without “protected” jump
starter leads and it is necessary to refer to the owner’s
handbook for jump starting procedures for such vehicles.
Vehicle Jump Starting procedure is as follows and should
be followed carefully:
• Check batteries are the same voltage.
• Turn off all electrical loads, check vehicles are not
touching and are in park or neutral.
• Check that vehicles have same terminal earthed. If not,
refer to manufacturers instructions.
• Check that cables are not frayed or damaged.
• Carry out following steps in sequence:
1. On negative grounded system, connect both ends of
one cable to positive (+) terminal of both batteries.
2. Connect one end of other cable to negative (-)
terminal of booster battery.
3. Connect other cable away from battery, to engine block
or car frame of vehicle to be started.
4. Make sure cables are away from fan blades and other
moving vehicle parts.
5. Start engine of booster car.
6. Attempt to start engine of vehicle with
discharged battery.
7. If vehicle does not start within 30 seconds, call an
auto electrician.
8. After starting, remove cables in reverse order, starting
with one connected to engine block or car frame.
New Battery Installation
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Vehicles fitted with an Air Bag:
Removal or replacement of battery terminals will not
unintentionally trigger an air bag system. However
removal of battery terminals with the ignition remaining
“on” can cause damage to electronic components,
including the SRS.
Always check to ensure that the ignition is “off” before
removing either of the battery terminals.
Charging Batteries
Battery Charging Guide
• IF ELECTROLYTE IS SWALLOWED:
Drink large quantities of water or milk and follow with milk of
magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil. Call a doctor.
If it is necessary to prepare electrolyte:
Always add concentrated acid to water - never water to acid. Store
electrolyte in plastic containers with sealed cover.
Do not store in the sun.
• EXPLODING BATTERY:
Batteries generate explosive gases during vehicle operation
and when charged separately.
Flames, sparks, burning cigarettes or other ignition sources
must be kept away al all times.
• ALWAYS SHIELD EYES WHEN WORKING
NEAR BATTERIES:
When charging batteries, work in a well ventilated area - never
in a closed room. Always turn battery charger or ignition off
before disconnecting a battery.
BOSCH IS ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
Every Bosch battery now carries the Recycle Logo.
It’s a fact that up to 97% of each Bosch battery is recyclable,
meaning Bosch takes environmental issues seriously. Bosch
prides itself on being a good corporate
citizen. Today’s customers will find our
concern very reassuring and they can
choose Bosch with confidence.
• BATTERY ACID CAN CAUSE BURNS.
Use extreme care when handling acid.
If electrolyte is spilled or splashed onto clothing or the body, wash
with water and neutralise with a solution of baking soda and water.
Electrolyte splashed into eyes is extremely dangerous. If this occurs,
gently open eyes and wash with cool clean water for 5 minutes. Call
a doctor.
Battery Safety