If and when227
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Jump leads
Jump leads must comply with the standard 
DIN 72553 (see manufacturer's 
documentation). The wire cross section must be at least 25 mm
2 for petrol 
engines and at least 35 mm
2 for diesel engines.
Note
•
The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as 
soon as the positive terminals are connected.
•
The discharged battery must be properly connected to the vehicle elec-
trical system.
How to jump start: descriptionIn  ⇒ fig. 162   the flat battery is represented and in   the 
charged battery is represented. Jump lead terminal connections
– Switch off the ignition on both vehicles 
⇒.
1.  Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive  ⇒fig. 162  
 terminal of the vehicle with the flat battery  ⇒.
2.  Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive  terminal   in the vehicle providing assistance.
3.  Connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative terminal   on the battery of the vehicle providing assistance.
4.  Connect the other end of the black jump lead   to a solid metal  component which is bolted on to the engine block, or onto the 
engine block itself of the vehicle with the flat battery. Do not 
connect it to a point near the battery  ⇒.
5.  Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into  contact with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
Starting
6.  Start the engine of the vehicle  with the boosting battery and let 
it run at idling speed.
7.  Start the engine of the car with the flat battery and wait one or  two minutes until the engine is “running”.
Removing the jump leads
8.  Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the headlights (if  they are switched on).
9.  Turn on the heater blower and rear window heater in the vehicle  with the flat battery. This helps minimise voltage peaks which are 
generated when the leads are disconnected.
Fig. 162  How to connect 
the jump leads
AA
AB
A+
A+
A-
AX
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If and when
228
10. When the engine is running, disconnect the leads in reverse order to the details given above.Connect the battery clamps so they have good metal-to-metal contact with 
the battery terminals.
If the engine fails to start, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and 
try again after about half a minute.
WARNING
•
Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the engine 
compartment  ⇒page 181, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•
The battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the flat 
battery (12V) and approximately the same capacity (see imprint on 
battery). Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
•
Never use jump leads when one of the batteries is frozen. Danger of 
explosion! Even after the battery has  thawed, battery acid could leak and 
cause chemical burns. If a battery freezes, it should be replaced.
•
Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes away from batteries, danger 
of explosion. Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
•
Observe the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the jump 
leads.
•
Do not connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the 
negative terminal of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the battery could 
be ignited by sparks. Danger of explosion.
•
Do not attach the negative cable from  the other vehicle to parts of the 
fuel system or to the brake line.
•
The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to 
touch. The jump lead atta ched to the positive battery terminal must not 
touch metal parts of the vehicle, this can cause a short circuit.
•
Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact 
with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
•
Do not bend over the batteries. This could result in chemical burns.Note
The vehicles must not touch each other,  otherwise electricity could flow as 
soon as the positive terminals are connected.
WARNING (continued)
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