Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle battery, see Battery - North America 0 258. If the battery has run down, try to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.
{ Warning WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Batteries also contain other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/ passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0 237 and the back cover.
{ Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: . They contain acid that can
burn you. . They contain gas that can
explode or ignite. . They contain enough
electricity to burn you. If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to the vehicle that would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it will not work, and it could damage the vehicle.
The vehicle has a battery cover which must be removed to gain access to the battery for jump starting.
1. Clips 2. Pivot Points
To remove the battery cover: 1. Release the two rear clips (1). 2. Lift the battery cover up toward
the front of the vehicle to release it from the pivot points (2) and remove.
3. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to reinstall the battery cover.
The vehicle has a remote positive (+) terminal under a trim cover. It is under the battery cover on the driver side of the engine compartment. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 240. Always use this remote positive terminal.
The vehicle has a remote negative (−) ground location. It is located on the driver side of the engine compartment. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 240. Always use this remote ground location, instead of the terminal on the battery. These posts are used instead of a direct connection to the battery. 1. Check the other vehicle. It must
have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system.
308 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. Only use a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly. Vehicles with an automatic transmission should be in P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0 188.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged in during the jump starting procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or unplug all accessories on either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off and switch off all lights and accessories in both vehicles, except the hazard warning flashers if needed.
{ Warning
An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
{ Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately.
{ Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the jump start remote positive (+) terminal for the discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–) terminal of the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the remote negative (–) post for the discharged battery.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine at idle speed for at least four minutes.
VEHICLE CARE 309 10. Try to start the vehicle that had
the dead battery. If it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected or removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always connect and remove the jumper cables in the correct order, making sure that the cables do not touch each other or other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when removing the jumper cables. After starting the disabled vehicle and removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle for several minutes.
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