Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
If the battery has run down, you may want 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 can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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.
Use eye protection when handling the battery. 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.
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.
Connection Points and Sequence
1. Discharged Battery Positive (+) Terminal
2. Good Battery Positive (+) Terminal
3. Good Battery Negative (−) Terminal
4. Discharged Battery Negative (−) Grounding Point
The discharged battery positive (+) terminal and the discharged battery negative (–) grounding point are on the driver side of the vehicle.
The good battery negative (–) terminal and the good battery positive (+) terminal are on the battery of the vehicle providing the jump start.
The discharged battery positive (+) terminal is under a trim cover. Open the cover to expose the terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system.
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 on both vehicles. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in Neutral before setting the parking brake.
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 discharged battery positive (+) terminal.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the good battery positive (+) terminal.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (−) cable to the good battery negative (−) terminal.
8. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable to the discharged battery negative (–) grounding point.
9. Start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine at idle speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the discharged battery. If it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.
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.
Download Manual