When the vehicle batteries are flat, another vehicle can be used to jump start the engine.
Risk of injury
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Charging batteries produces explosive oxyhydrogen gas. For this reason, always ensure good ventilation when working on batteries.
Do not use fire or open flames near batteries, and do not smoke.
Avoid producing sparks (e.g. when disconnecting the batteries). Sparks can ignite the oxyhydrogen gas and cause the batteries to explode. You and others could be seriously injured.
Risk of injury
$
While jump starting, there is a risk of caustic burns due to gases escaping from the batteries. Do not lean over the batteries when jump starting.
!
Do not use a quick charger for jump starting.
Discharged batteries may freeze at temperatures of –10 °C. In this case do not start the engine. Let the battery thaw out first. Only jump start from vehicles with 24 V system.
Use jumper cables that are protected against reverse polarity and have a cross section of about 35-50 mm² and insulated terminal clips.
Before jump starting with a mobile charging station (battery with power supply unit), pull the mains plug.
Overvoltages can damage electronic components in the vehicle.
!
Before jump starting, the condition of the batteries must be checked.
The vehicle must not be jump started when the batteries
• are visibly damaged
• are frozen
• or the fluid level has dropped below "Min." (see "Min./Max." mark on battery housing).
Replace the batteries.
Discharged batteries may freeze at temperatures of –10 °C. In this case do not start the engine. Let the battery thaw out first.
Do not use a quick charger for jump starting.
Description and roadside assistance
Semitrailer tractors with batteries integrated in the vehicle rear do not need to be uncoupled for jump starting.
They are equipped with a jump-start socket on the left side of the vehicle. Location of batteries and jump-start socket, see page 98.
M Before jump starting, disconnect all mobile com-munications systems, such as telephone, two-way radio, fax etc., from the electrical system.
M Make sure that the vehicles do not touch.
M Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock all the way back.
M In vehicles used to transport hazardous goods, check that the EMERGENCY OFF switches are switched off and that the RESET switch (export vehicles for France) has been operated.
M Switch off all electrical consumers.
M Vehicles with jump-start connection point: Remove covers on positive terminal : and negative terminal ;.
M Vehicles with batteries mounted at the side on the chassis frame: Remove battery cover.
M Connect first the positive terminals and then the negative terminals with the jumper cables.
Vehicle supplying power:
M Run the engine at a high speed.
Vehicle receiving power:
M Turn vehicle key in ignition lock to drive position. On vehicles with cold-starting aid, make sure that the indi-cator lamp % goes out.
M Start engine and run at idle speed.
M Remove jumper cables first from the negative terminals and then from the positive terminals.
M Have the batteries checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz service center.
Jump-start socket
(semitrailer tractors with integral rear end) : Positive terminal cover (red)
; Negative terminal cover (black)
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Do not connect the ground cable to the vehicle frame. This can cause damage to the engine or transmission components.
!
When removing the jumper cables, the engine of the vehicle receiving power should only be running at idle speed. This prevents voltage spikes. If the batteries are deeply discharged, wait a few minutes before removing the jumper cables.
Description and roadside assistance
Risk of accident
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When towing or recovering a vehicle with a gear engaged, the engine can start unintentionally and the vehicle could drive off out of control. You could cause an accident with possible serious or fatal injury to yourself or others.
Before towing or recovering, make sure that the ignition in the vehicle is switched off and that no gear is engaged.
Disconnect the battery if:
• the ignition cannot be switched off
• the batteries are deeply discharged
• the cab is not accessible, e.g. due to an accident
Description and roadside assistance
Batteries
Risk of explosion/injury
$
A
Risk of explosionCharging batteries produces explosive oxyhydrogen gas. Batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated rooms.
D
Risk of explosionAvoid producing sparks! Do not use fire or open flames near batteries, and do not smoke.
B
Battery acid is corrosive.Wear acid-proof protective gloves! Splashes of acid on the skin or clothing should be neutralized immediately with soapy water or an acid neutralizer, and then rinsed with water.
E
Wear eye protection. When mixing water and acid the fluid can splash into your eyes. If acid splashes in the eyes, flush it out immediately with clean water and seek medical attention without delay!C
Keep children away. Children are incapable of appreciating the dangers of handling batteries and acid.F
When handling batteries, always comply with the safety information, precautions and procedures contained in the operating instructions.Environmental warning %
K
Batteries contain pollutants. Old batteries must not be discarded with household refuse.I
Dispose of batteries in an environmentally acceptable way. Hand in batteries to a specialist workshop, a Mercedes-Benz service center or a recycling station for used batteries.Full batteries must be transported and stored upright. Secure batteries to prevent them from tipping over while transporting. Battery acid can escape from the blow holes of the stop plugs and
contaminate the environment.