JUMP-STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged battery it can 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 procedures 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
•Thebatteryinyourvehicleislocatedon
the left side of the engine compartment.
•Settheparkingbrake,shifttheauto-
matic transmission into PARK and turn
the ignition to LOCK.
•Turnofftheheater,radio,andallunnec-
essary electrical accessories.
•Ifusinganothervehicletojump-startthe
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
122
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!
•Donotuseaportablebatteryboosterpackoranyotherboostersourcewithasystem
voltage greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor, alternator or
electrical system may occur.
•Failuretofollowtheseprocedurescouldresultindamagetothechargingsystemof
the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
•Accessoriesthatcanbepluggedintothevehiclepoweroutletsdrawpowerfromthe
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!
•Whentemperaturesarebelowthefreezingpoint,electrolyteinadischargedbattery
may 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.
•Takecaretoavoidtheradiatorcoolingfanwheneverthehoodisraised.Itcanstart
anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be injured by moving fan blades.
•Removeanymetaljewelry,suchaswatchbandsorbracelets,thatmightmakean
inadvertent electrical contact. You could be severely injured.
•Batteriescontainsulfuricacidthatcanburnyourskinoreyesandgenerate
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or sparks away
from the battery.
•Donotallowvehiclestotoucheachotherasthiscouldestablishaground
connection and personal injury could result.
•Failuretofollowthisprocedurecouldresultinpersonalinjuryorpropertydamage
due to battery explosion.
•Donotconnectthecabletothenegativepost(-)ofthedischargedbattery.The
resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
123
