Starting the Engine Using an Auxiliary Battery

Although the procedure for starting the engine from an auxiliary battery appears simple, you must observe certain precautions, which are described below.

If precautions are not observed and the battery is mishandled during engine starting, it may explode, causing serious injury to people nearby.

Do not bring sparks, open flames or lit cigarettes close to the battery.

Since your Honda vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, the engine cannot be started by towing or pushing the vehicle.

To start the engine using an auxiliary battery, perform the following steps:

1. Open the hood and check the condition of the battery. In low ambient temperatures, check the condition of the battery electrolyte. If ice crystals float in the electrolyte or it is covered with an ice crust, do not attempt to start the engine until the electrolyte has completely thawed.

If the battery is stored in freezing conditions, the electrolyte may freeze.

When attempting to start the engine, the case of a frozen battery may rupture.

2. Turn off all electrical loads: heater, air conditioner, audio system, lights, etc. On vehicles with a manual transmission, shift the gear lever to neutral. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, move the selector lever to P (Park). Apply the parking brake.

The order of connecting the cables is indicated by numbers in the illustrations.

3. Connect one clamp of the positive cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery of your vehicle. Connect the other clamp of this cable to the positive (+) terminal of the auxiliary battery.

4. Connect one clamp of the second (negative) cable to the negative (–) terminal of the auxiliary battery.

Connect the second clamp to a bolt on the engine as shown in the illustration. Do not connect the second cable clamp to any other engine parts.

For vehicles with a diesel engine

Connect one clamp of the second (negative) cable to the negative (–) terminal of the auxiliary battery.

Connect the other clamp to the top of the stud as shown in the illustration.

Do not connect the second cable clamp to any other engine parts.

Before connecting the cables, make sure the engine is cold.

5. If the auxiliary battery is a battery from another vehicle, ask your assistant to start that vehicle's engine and increase the idle speed.

6. Start the engine. If the starter still turns the crankshaft slowly, check the connections of the jumper cables for reliability.

7. After the engine has started successfully, disconnect the negative cable clamp from your vehicle, then disconnect the second clamp from the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery. Disconnect the positive cable clamp from the positive terminal of your vehicle's battery, then disconnect the second clamp of this cable from the positive terminal of the auxiliary battery.

When disconnecting the cable clamps, make sure they do not contact each other or any metal parts of the vehicle. Otherwise, a short circuit may occur.