Vehicle battery
212
BATTERY WARNING SYMBOLS
BATTERY CARE
Do not allow any naked flames,
or other sources of ignition near
the battery as the battery may
emit explosive gasses.
Ensure that when working near,
or handling the battery, suitable
eye protection is worn. This will
reduce the risk of eye damage
caused by acid splashes.
To prevent risk of injury, do not
allow children near the battery.
Be aware that the battery may
emit explosive gasses.
The battery contains acid which
is extremely corrosive, and toxic.
WARNINGS
Do not allow the battery electrolyte
(fluid) to come into contact with your
skin or eyes. It is both corrosive and
toxic, and the resulting injuries can be severe.
If any electrolyte does come into contact with
your skin or eyes, immediately rinse the
affected area with clean, cold water.
Immediate medical advice will be required.
If battery electrolyte comes into
contact with your skin and/or clothes
you should remove the affected
clothing and flush the skin with copious
amounts of water. Seek medical assistance
immediately.
If battery electrolyte comes into
contact with your eyes, flush with
copious amounts of clean cold water.
Seek medical assistance immediately, and
continue to flush with water.
If swallowed, battery electrolyte can
be fatal. If electrolyte is swallowed,
seek medical assistance immediately.
Do not connect any 12 volt equipment
directly to the battery terminals.
Doing so may cause a spark, which
can result in an explosion.
The cell plugs and vent pipe must be
in place at all times when the battery
is connected to the vehicle. Ensure
that the vent pipe is clear of obstructions and
not kinked. Failure to do so may cause a
pressure build up in the battery, resulting in an
explosion.
Do not expose the battery to a naked
flame or spark as the battery
produces explosive , flammable gas.
Never jump start (boost) or charge, a
frozen battery. Doing so can result in
an explosion.
Remove all metal jewellery before
working on, or near , the battery, and
never allow metal tools or vehicle
components to come into contact with the
battery terminals. Metal objects can cause
sparks and/or short circuits, resulting in an
explosion.
Do not allow the battery posts or
terminals to come into contact with
your skin. They cont ain lead and lead
compounds, which are toxic. Always wash
your hands thoroughly after handling the
battery.
WARNINGS
Vehicle battery
214
USING BOOSTER CABLES
Note: Before connecti ng booster cables,
ensure that the battery connections on the
disabled vehicle are correct and that all
electrical equipment has been switched off.
1. Connect one end of the positive booster
cable to the positive terminal on the donor
vehicle's battery.
2. Connect the other end of the positive
booster cable to the positive terminal on
the disabled vehicle's battery. 3.
Connect one end of th e negative booster
cable to the earth point of the donor vehicle
that is recommended for jump starting by
the manufacturer.
4. Connect the other end of the negative
booster cable to a suitable earth point on
the disabled vehicle. The earth point
should be at least 0.5 metres (20 inches)
away from the battery and as far as
possible from any fu el or brake pipes.
• Check that all cables are clear of any
moving components and that all four
connections are secure.
5. Start the engine of the donor vehicle, and
allow it to idle for a few minutes.
6. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
7. Allow both vehicles to idle for two minutes.
8. Switch off the donor vehicle.
Disconnecting the cables
Note: Do not switch on any electrical
equipment until after th e cables have been
disconnected.
The engine should be running on the
previously disabled ve hicle and the engine
switched off on the donor vehicle. Disconnect
the booster cables in the exact reverse order of
that used for connection.
WARNINGS
Always wear appropriate eye
protection when working with
batteries.
During normal use, batteries emit
explosive hydrogen gas - ensure
sparks and naked lights are kept away
from the luggage compartment.
Do not attempt to start the vehicle if
the electrolyte in the battery is
suspected of being frozen.
Make sure both batt eries are of the 12
volt type and that the booster cables
have insulated clamps and are
approved for use with 12 volt batteries.
Do not disconnect the discharged
battery.
Do not connect posit ive (+) terminals
to negative (-) terminals and ensure
booster cables are kept away from
any moving parts in the engine compartment.
Do not connect a booster cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the battery.
Always connect to the recommended
earthing point.
WARNING
To avoid serious in jury use extreme
caution when removing the booster
cables as the engine will be running
on the previously disabl ed vehicle. This means
that you may be workin g close to components
which are moving at high speed, carry high
voltage, or may be hot.
