How to replace a battery on a Mercedes-Benz GLA 2014-2019 model
Having only been launched in 2014, most Mercedes GLA models should still be covered by a maintenance plan and roadside assistance. But if you are really stuck with a flat battery in the boondocks, and cannot make contact with your Mercedes dealer, here we offer a step-by-step battery replacement guide.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA went on sale in 2014 and is a cross over vehicle, slotting beneath the GLC model SUV as a 5-door model with a raised ride height and more space than the entry-level Merc model, the A-Class.
The GLA has found a good number of fans here thanks to a reasonably competitive selling price. The first-generation model range was discontinued last year and replaced by the second-gen GLA, which arrived here in March 2020. Here you might like to read about the previous-gen GLA : Road Test - Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4M
Battery replacement? Contact your dealer first!
With Mercedes-Benz’s 6-year maintenance plan initially being part of the purchase price on these vehicles, we don’t recommend that you replace the battery yourself. Virtually all GLAs on our roads here should still have a valid maintenance plan. This plan also includes roadside assistance. However, in case you are stranded with a malfunctioning battery in a small town far away from your home base, and for some reason cannot get a Mercedes’ roadside assistance team to assist you, here we offer a step-by-step guide on battery replacement.
Before you start
- Again, we advise you to try all possible means to contact the Mercedes-Benz roadside assistance, through the emergency number which will be found in the owner’s manual. Only attempt this battery replacement if you cannot make contact with the Mercedes-Benz service organisation.
- Check the status of your car’s warranty and maintenance plan. Note that the newer Mercedes-Benz models sold now have a 5-year maintenance plan, rather than the previous 6-year maintenance plan. Under the maintenance plan any mechanical work carried out on the car should be done by an authorised dealer.
- If replacing the battery will get you out of a tight spot, check that you can in fact source the correct replacement battery for your GLA. The battery is located in a tight-fitting compartment, and sizing as well as terminal location is important. You will need to quote a battery model number to the spares person or workshop that is assisting you.
- You will need a few tools, such as a 10 mm spanner, a socket wrench kit with a 12 or 13 mm socket spanner, and a socket extension (to reach and loosen the battery’s retaining-clamp bolt).
- In the interests of maintenance plan stipulations, we suggest taking photographs of where your car is stranded, to enable you to explain later why you in fact were forced to do this job yourself, rather than wait for the Mercedes roadside assistance staff. Here your cell-phone records will also be important, to avoid any warranty issues at a later stage.
Step by step battery replacement
- Make sure the vehicle is securely parked so it cannot roll forward or backward, and that the transmission is in Park (if it is an automatic), or neutral if a manual model. The brake should be activated, and if you are unsure, block the wheels so the car cannot move.
- Open the bonnet and identify the battery location. This is on the right-and side of the engine bay, alongside a power point marked by a red cap. The battery is located under a plastic cover.
- Remove the plastic cover to gain access to the battery. This can be un-clipped and doesn’t require tools.
- When working on any car, the negative battery terminal cable should be removed first. The reason for this is that if your spanner slips against the metal car body there will be no short circuit, as the negative terminal doesn’t carry a charge. The negative terminal is identified by a “-“ sign. Use a 10 mm spanner to loosen the cable fastening, wiggle the cable loose and then pull the cable out of the way, so that it cannot make contact with the terminal accidentally.
- With the negative terminal disconnected, loosen the positive battery terminal cable (identified by a + sign), again using a 10 mm spanner, then remove the terminal cable and again tuck it out of the way, so it cannot make contact with the terminal.
- Remove the red battery venting tube, if fitted, and again tuck it out of the way to avoid damage.
- Locate the battery clamp retaining bolt on the lower left-side of the battery. Here you will need that socket spanner and extension mentioned earlier. The socket required will either be of 12 mm or 13 mm sizing.
- Once the bolt has been removed you can remove the clamp and store these away carefully for re-use when you fit the new battery.
- The battery can now be removed.
- The new battery can be installed in its tray. Check that you have the positive and negative terminals lined up in the correct way. Refit the clamp, battery vent, positive cable and negative cable, in this order. Don’t tighten them too much, just enough so they are secure.
- Replace the plastic battery cover.
- Your car should now start and you can be on your way. But certain computer settings will now have to be made, such as the radio settings and perhaps the windows. Contact your Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible to have this done.
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Road Test - Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4M