Attaching jumper cables 
1.  Switch off the ignition in both vehicles   
2.  Open the battery cover in the engine compartment if the battery has a cover  or flip open the cap 
on the positive jump-start terminal11 , ⇒ fig. 196 (+). 
3.  Attach one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery: (1) ⇒ . 
4.  Attach the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the good battery 
(booster battery): (2). 
5.  Attach one end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal (-) of the booster battery: (2) . 
6.  Attach the other end of the black jumper cable (3) to a bare metal part of the vehicle with the 
dead battery. This part should be connected directly to the engine block. You may also attach the 
cable to the engine block itself. Attach the clamp to a point that is as far away as possible from the 
dead battery (1) ⇒ . 
7.  Route the jumper cables so that they cannot get caught in any moving parts in the engine 
compartment of either vehicle.  
Starting the engine 
 x Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery that is providing help and let it run at idle 
speed. 
 x Turn on the ignition of the vehicle with the dead battery. If the engine starts, wait 2 to 3 minutes 
until it “runs smoothly” before removing the jumper cables as described below ⇒ . If the engine 
does not start within about 10 seconds, turn off the ignition and wait at least 1 minute; then try again. 
Before removing the jumper cables 
 x Switch off the headlights (if they are on). 
 x In the vehicle with the dead battery, switch on the heater fan and the rear window defroster. This 
helps to minimize voltage spikes when the cables are disconnected. 
Removing jumper cables 
With the engine running, remove the jumper cables in reverse order to the way they were connected. 
1.  Disconnect the black (-) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery. 
2.  Disconnect the black (-) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery). 
3.  Disconnect the red (+) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery). 
4.  Disconnect the red (+) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery. 
5.  Close the battery cover or snap shut the cap on the positive jump-start terminal11, as the case may 
be. 
6.  If necessary, unscrew the towing eye on the front of the vehicle    
                                                      
11 For vehicles without a battery in the engine compartment, see ⇒ page 330  
 
  WARNING 
Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause 
the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of battery 
explosion: 
 x All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid 
burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety 
precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system  260, Vehicle battery. 
 x Always wear proper eye protection. Never lean over the vehicle battery. 
 x Attach the jumper cables in the correct order: first the positive cable, then the negative 
cable. 
 x Never connect the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to parts 
of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines. 
 x Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch. 
 x Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal 
parts of the vehicle. 
 x Check the battery acid level indicator window on the vehicle battery. Use a flashlight, 
never a match, cigarette lighter, or other open flame. If you cannot see the color of the 
window clearly, or if it is light yellow or colorless, do not jump-start the vehicle. Get expert 
assistance. 
 x Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. Sparks may cause the 
hydrogen gas escaping from the vehicle battery to ignite. 
 x Never jump-start a vehicle with a battery that is damaged or frozen or that was frozen and 
has thawed. The battery can explode. Replace the battery instead. 
 x Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer. 
 x Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance has the same voltage as 
the dead battery (12 V) and about the same capacity (see battery label). 
 x Batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas. Always keep fire, sparks, open flame and 
smoking materials away from batteries. 
 x Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal 
of the dead battery. The hydrogen gas from the battery is explosive. 
 x Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) 
terminals with each other.