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.
When not to tow your vehicle
In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed and must be transported on a flatbed truck or
trailer:
x If transmission fluid has leaked out of the transmission.
x If there is little or no oil in the transmission because of damage to your vehicle, it must be moved
with the drive wheels off the ground.
x If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
x When the vehicle battery is dead, because the steering may remain disabled and it may not be
possible to release the electronic steering column lock. If the electronic parking brake was engaged
when the battery died, it cannot be released.
x If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).
Towing other vehicles
x Obey all legal requirements
x Read and heed all towing information in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
A vehicle can be towed only if the electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column
lock are released. In case of a power loss or malfunctions of the electrical system, the engine may
have to be jump-started in order to release the electronic parking brake and the electronic steering
column lock.
Driving tips while towing
