Volkswagen Touran Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Warning lamp  

 → Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery  

 → Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery  

The vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system in the vehicle.

Never carry out any work on the electrical system if you are not familiar with the necessary procedures and the general safety requirements and only unsuitable tools are available  ! Have the work carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.

Number and location of the vehicle battery

The vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.

Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery

Symbol	Meaning
	Always wear eye protection!
	Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection!
	Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!
	A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is charging!
	Always keep children away from acid and vehicle battery!

Additional information and warnings:

• Pull-away assist systems (start/stop system)  

• Preparation for working in the engine compartment  

• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts  

• ⇒ BookletService schedule,

WARNING

Any work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns, fire and electric shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety information before carrying out any kind of work:

• Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the vehicle battery.

• Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the vehicle battery.

• Always wear eye protection.

• Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn skin and can cause blindness. When working with the battery, protect above all your hands, arms and face from acid spillages.

• Never smoke and never work near naked flames or sparks.

• When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and electrostatic charge.

• Never short the battery poles.

• Never use a damaged vehicle battery. It could explode. A damaged vehicle battery must be replaced as soon as possible.

• A damaged or frozen vehicle battery must be replaced immediately. A discharged vehicle battery can even freeze at temperatures around 0 °C (+32 °F).

NOTICE

• Never disconnect batteries or connect them if the ignition is switched on or if the engine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic components.

• Do not allow direct sunlight onto the vehicle battery for an extended period as the UV rays could damage the battery housing.

• If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect the vehicle battery from frost. If it freezes it will be damaged.

• Vehicles with start/stop system are fitted with a special vehicle battery. The installation of a different vehicle battery could cause problems with the vehicle electronics. When replacing the vehicle battery, only insert a battery with specifications that correspond exactly with those of the original battery.