Jump Starting the Engine

Using an auxiliary power source will help start the engine in an emergency; however, the cause of the battery discharge must then be determined and corrected. The most typical causes are:

a) Repeated unsuccessful attempts to start the engine, or leaving the lights on for an extended period with the engine off;
b) Malfunction of the charging system (generator drive belt slipping or broken, damaged wiring, or faulty generator itself);
c) Faulty battery itself (low electrolyte level or battery at the end of its service life).

When starting the engine from an external power source, pay attention to the following special precautions:

a) Before connecting the auxiliary battery, make sure the ignition is switched off;
b) Make sure all electrical loads (lights, heaters, windshield wipers, etc.) are also switched off;
c) Wear protective gloves and eye protection;
d) Make sure the auxiliary battery output voltage matches that of the battery installed in your vehicle;
e) If a battery installed in another vehicle is used as the auxiliary power source, make sure the vehicles DO NOT under any circumstances touch each other;
f) Make sure the transmission is in neutral (MT), or in the "P" position (AT);
g) On the battery to be serviced, remove the vent caps and cover the openings with a cloth.

Connect one end of the red jumper cable from the special kit to the positive terminal of the discharged battery (see illustration). Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the auxiliary battery.

Connect one end of the black cable from the kit to the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery. Connect the other end to a securely grounded point on the engine block of the vehicle being started (bolt or bracket), as far away from the battery as possible.

Make sure the jumper cables do not contact any moving components in the engine compartments of both vehicles (fan blades, drive belts, etc.).

Perform the standard engine starting procedure. Let the engine run at idle. Turn on the headlights, rear window defroster and heater fan, then disconnect the cables in the reverse order of connection. When the procedure is complete, switch off all electrical loads.

Electrical loads are switched on to prevent voltage spikes when the cables are disconnected.