Jump Starting the Engine

GENERAL INFORMATION

When starting the engine from an external source, observe the following requirements:

a) Before connecting the auxiliary battery, make sure the ignition key is in the “OFF” position. b) Switch off all lights, the heater and other electrical loads. c) Protect your eyes. Safety glasses are recommended. d) Make sure the auxiliary battery has the same nominal voltage as the battery of your vehicle. e) The two vehicles must under no circumstances touch each other! f) Make sure the transmission is in neutral (manual transmission) or “P” (automatic transmission). g) If the auxiliary battery is not a maintenance-free type, remove the vent caps and cover the vent openings with a cloth. Connect the red heavy-gauge jumper cable from the jump-start kit to the positive (+) terminals of both batteries. Connect one end of the black cable to the negative (–) terminal of the auxiliary battery, and the other end to a securely grounded point on the vehicle being started (for example, a bolt or bracket on the engine block). Make sure the cables do not touch the fan blades, drive belts or other moving engine parts.

Start the vehicle, then, with the engine running at idle, switch on the heater blower (at maximum speed) or the rear window defroster to smooth out voltage spikes that may occur when the cables are disconnected (do not switch on the lights, as sharp voltage peaks may burn out the bulbs). Disconnect the cables in the reverse order of connection.