2019 Dodge Journey Owners Manual - Jump starting

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.

WARNING:

Do not attempt jump starting if the battery is frozen. It could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.

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.

Note:

When using a portable battery booster pack, follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and precautions.

PREPARATIONS FOR JUMP START

The battery in your vehicle is located between the left front headlight assembly and the left front wheel splash shield. To allow jump starting, there are remote battery posts located on the left side of the engine compartment. The positive terminal has a protective cover on it, please remove.

Jump Starting Post

Remote Battery Posts

WARNING:

• 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 rings, watch bands and bracelets that could make an inadvertent electrical contact. You could be seriously 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.

1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn the ignition OFF.

2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all electrical accessories.

3. Remove the protective cover over the remote positive (+) battery post. To remove the cover, push the locking tab and pull upward on the cover.

4. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cable’s reach, apply the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.

WARNING:

Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection and personal injury could result.

JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE

WARNING:

Failure to follow this jump starting procedure could result in personal injury or property damage due to battery explosion.

CAUTION:

Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.

Connecting The Jumper Cables

1. Connect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable to the remote positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle.

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. A “ground” is an exposed metallic/unpainted part of the engine, frame or chassis, such as an accessory bracket or large bolt. The ground must be away from the battery and fuel injection system.

   WARNING:

   Do not connect the jumper 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.

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.

6. Once the engine is started, follow the disconnecting procedure below.

Disconnecting The Jumper Cables

1. Disconnect the negative (-) jumper cable from the remote negative (-) post of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

2. Disconnect the negative end (-) of the jumper cable from the negative (-) post of the booster battery.

3. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable from the positive (+) post of the booster battery.

4. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable from the remote positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle.

5. Reinstall the protective cover over the remote positive (+) battery post of the discharged vehicle.

If frequent jump starting is required to start your vehicle, you should have the battery and charging system inspected at an authorized dealer.

CAUTION:

Accessories plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough without engine operation, the vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life and/or prevent the engine from starting.