‘Jump’ StartingIf the battery becomes discharged to the extent that the en
-
gine cannot be started, proprietary good quality ‘jumper cables’ may be used to connect with the battery of a second car in order
to provide the energy necessary for starting.
WARNING: It is most important that the correct procedure is fol
-
lowed in order to avoid damage to either car’s electrical system, and most importantly, to minimise the danger of a
spark induced battery explosion. Check that the slave car
also has a NEGATIVE EARTH electrical system.
i) With the engine of the slave car running at a fast idle, use one jumper cable (red) to connect the positive (+) terminal of
one battery to the positive terminal of the other battery. Take
care during this process to avoid inadvertently earthing a free end of this cable to the metal body or chassis of either car.
ii) Connect one end of the other jumper cable (black) to the negative (-) terminal of the discharged battery.
iii) A spark will occur when the other end of this cable (the final connection) is connected to an earth on the slave car. This
connection should therefore be made to a point away from
the battery, and away from any fuel vapour area or moving
parts. An engine hanger bracket is often ideal.
iv) Start the car in the usual way, and run at a fast idle.
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v) A spark will occur at the first disconnection of a jumper cable, so it is essential that the first disconnection is made from the
slave car earth. Both batteries (especially the
discharged one) will be ‘gassing’ heavily at this time, and if the first disconnection is made at a battery terminal, there is
a danger that the hydrogen gas may be ignited by the spark
with a resultant explosion.
vi) Have the cause of the flat battery investigated and rectified,
and trickle charge the battery as detailed above.
WARNING:
• Risk of damage and serious personal injury due to
shortcircuit.
• Use only jumper cables of adequate cross-section, fitted
with completely insulated alligator clamps. The cables must be long enough to allow that neither cars nor cables
touch each other.
• Follow all warnings and instructions of the jumper cable
manufacturer.
• When connnecting the jumper cables, keep them away
from engine moving parts.
• The two cars must not contact each other, or current could flow as soon as the positive terminals are connected.
• When the first clamp on each cable is connected, the other clamp on that cable must be held carefully to make sure it does not come into contact with either another cable
clamp or either car.
• Ensure that tools or metal watches or jewellery do not contact the battery terminals or live car parts.
NOTICE:
• Improper jumper cable connection can damage the alternator
and other electrical components.
• Do not attempt to push or tow start the car, as damage to the
catalytic converter or other parts could be caused.
Electrical Accessories Owners should note that the only approved extras and modi
-
fications are those which are specified by Lotus and carried out by Lotus or by an authorised dealer. Neither Lotus Cars Ltd. or
Lotus Cars Inc. accept any liability whatsoever for defects which arise from extras or modifications which are not approved by
Lotus Cars Ltd.
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