How to start the engine using jump leads
Fig. 171 How to connect the jump leads when starting vehicles without start/stop system:
discharged battery Ⓐ and battery providing assistance Ⓑ
Fig. 172 How to connect the jump leads when starting vehicles with start/stop system: discharged
battery Ⓐ and battery providing assistance Ⓑ
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicle with discharged battery that is being jump-started.
Vehicle with vehicle battery that is supplying power and jump-starting the other vehicle.
Suitable earth connection. A solid metal part that is firmly bolted to the engine block, the
engine block itself or, where fitted, the screwed-in towing eye at the front ⇒ Tow-starting and
towing.
Using the jump leads incorrectly or completing the jump start procedure incorrectly can cause
the battery to explode, which can lead to severe injuries. Please note the following in order to
reduce the risk of the battery exploding:
•All work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical
burns, fire and electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety information before
carrying out any kind of work on the vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle battery.
•The vehicle battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the discharged
vehicle battery (12 volt) and approximately the same capacity (see markings on battery).
•Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can
even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
•The battery should be replaced if it is or has ever been frozen.
•A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is jump started.
Always keep fire, sparks, naked flames and lit cigarettes away from the vehicle battery.
Never use a mobile telephone when the jump leads are being connected or disconnected.
•Only charge the battery in a well-ventilated space as the battery emits a highly explosive
mixture of gases when the vehicle is being jump started.
•Position the jump leads so that they never come into contact with any moving parts in the
engine compartment.
•Never confuse the negative and positive terminals or connect the jump leads incorrectly.
•Observe the jump lead manufacturer's instructions.
WARNING
Please note the following in order to avoid considerable damage to the vehicle electrical
system:
•A short circuit can be caused if the jump leads are wrongly connected.
•The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as soon as the
positive terminals are connected.
NOTICE
