Modification Of Wet Cell Battery Maintenance (54.10/81)

Publication date: 2003-03-31
Reference number: 54.10/81

MODIFICATION OF WET CELL BATTERY MAINTENANCE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): S-B-54.10/81, Date of Issue: March 31, 2003

MERCEDES-BENZ:	MODELS 129, 140, 163, 170, 202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 215, 220, 230, 463
GROUP:	54 - Electrical System

SUBJECT

MODIFICATION OF WET CELL BATTERY MAINTENANCE

SERVICE INFORMATION

On the above mentioned models, the maintenance of the wet cell battery has been modified, and is reflected in the revised Maintenance Sheets (FSS). During each maintenance service of the vehicle, the acid fluid level of the wet cell battery must be checked (b, Fig 1 ).

Fig 1: Acid Fluid Level Of Wet Cell Battery

The revised Maintenance Sheets (FSS) for the Model Years 1998 through 2003, are available in PDF format via the StarTekInfo website.

These forms are located on the website in the "Forms" location and can be printed for your use as needed.

Mercedes-Benz dealers can still order hard copies (of the remaining stock) if so desired. Please review Star Bulletin S-B-99.00/280 (December 2002).

However, current back orders will not be filled, thus please take advantage of the posted PDF formatted documents.

NOTE: Vehicles with AGM/VRLA batteries (black case) (Fig 2 ) installed are not affected. This battery is absolutely maintenance free and must never be opened (A, Fig 2 ). However, AGM/VRLA batteries must be checked for condition during each maintenance service, using the "Midtronics MCR 717" tester (MB Special Tool Number: 900 589 09 21 00).

Please review the following documents before performing the checking procedure:

MBUSA document: S-B-58.00/124, in WIS: AP54.10-U-5453A and AR54.10-P-1129-01A

Fig 2: AGM/VRLA Battery

NOTES REGARDING: CHECKING BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL

Danger!

Explosion hazard from explosive gas.
Risk of poisoning and caustic burns, due to accidental swallowing of battery acid.
Risk of injury to skin and eyes from caustic burns due to exposure to battery acid and working with lead-acid batteries.
Wear acid resistant gloves, clothing and eye protection.
No smoking, fires, sparks or naked flames.

NOTE: For battery acid level inspection, all the battery cell fill caps must be removed, and the battery acid level visually verified for each battery cell, since a visual inspection from the outside would be insufficient.

If the battery acid is below the upper marking line, carefully refill battery to the lower edge of the filler neck (b, Fig 1 ) with drinking quality water, using an appropriate Automatic Battery Filler (see Equipment Information Table, below). Ensure that all battery cell fill caps are securely tightened, after filling.
Ensure that the 90° vent fitting (7, Fig 3 ) is plugged into the battery case (G1, Fig 3 ) and that the vent line (5, Fig 3 ) is routed properly and is open (not kinked/pinched), thus venting the battery vapors overboard. Additionally, ensure that the vent hole at the opposite end of the battery case is properly plugged (8, Fig 3 ).

Fig 3: Battery Vents

EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

EQUIPMENT INFORMATION - REFERENCE (LOCAL PURCHASE)

Qty.	Description	Model Number
1	Automatic Battery Filler	e.g. GA 207 (Snap-on)