JUMP-STARTING
• If your vehicle has a discharged battery itcan be jump-started using a set of jumper
cables and a battery in another vehicle or
by using a portable battery booster pack.
• Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly so please follow the proce-
dures in this section carefully.
NOTE:
When using a portable battery booster pack
follow the manufacturer’s operating instruc-
tions and precautions.
Preparations For Jump-Start
• The battery in your vehicle is located on the left side of the engine compartment.
• Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
• Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.
• If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
Jump-Starting Procedure
1. Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable to the positive (+)post of the vehicle with
the discharged battery.
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable to the positive (+)post of the
booster battery.
3. Connect the negative (-)end of the jumper cable to the negative (-)post of the booster
battery.
4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-)jumper cable to a good engine ground
(exposed metal part of the discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery and the
fuel injection system.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse sequence:
1. Disconnect the negative (-)end of the jumper cable from the engine ground of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-)jumper cable from the negative (-)post
of the booster battery.
Positive Battery Post
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
119
3. Disconnect the positive(+)end of the jumper cable from the positive (+)post of the
booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)jumper cable from the positive (+)post of
the vehicle with the discharged battery.
NOTE:
If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle you should have the battery and
charging system inspected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
• Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any other booster source with a system voltage greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor, alternator or
electrical system may occur.
• Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
• Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (e.g., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery discharges sufficiently to degrade
battery life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
WARNING!
• When temperatures are below the freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged batterymay freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting because the battery could rupture or
explode and cause personal injury. Battery temperature must be brought above the
freezing point before attempting a jump-start.
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry, such as watch bands or bracelets, that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact. You could be severely injured.
•
Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas
which is flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or sparks away from the battery.
• Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection
and personal injury could result.
• Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or property damage
due to battery explosion.
• Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-) of the discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
120
