3-2
SECTION 3
IN CASE OF DRIVING EMERGENCY
NOTE: Know and obey all state and local towing
regulations. Tow at reduced speed
.
JUMP STARTING
If your coach will not start from the automo-
tive batteries, try using the aux. start switch to
divert power from the coach batteries to the
starter. (See Aux. Start Switch on page 2-14.) If
you wish to try jump starting the engine using
another vehicle or booster system, here are basic
guidelines for connecting jumper cables to auto-
motive electrical systems.
CONNECTING JUMPER
CABLES
1. Make sure that the other vehicle has a 12-
volt battery and negative ground compatible
with your vehicle’s electrical system.
2. Position the vehicle with the good battery so
that the jumper cables will reach, but
do not
allow the vehicles to touch.
3. Turn off all electrical accessories, motors,
and lights except those needed for safety or
to light up the work area. Place automatic
transmission in N (Neutral) and apply park-
ing brake. Be sure parking brakes are
engaged in both vehicles.
4. If the weak battery has filler caps, make sure
the electrolyte is at proper level. Add dis-
tilled water if fluid is low. If electrolyte is not
visible or appears to be frozen -
do not
attempt jump starting!
A battery may rup-
ture or explode if the electrolyte is frozen or
not filled to the proper level.
5. Connect one end of the positive “+” (red)
jumper cable to the positive “+” terminal of
the weak battery. Connect the other end to
the positive “+” terminal of the charged bat-
tery.
6. Connect one end of the negative “-” (black)
jumper cable to the negative “-” terminal of
the charged battery.
7. Finally, connect the remaining end of the
negative “-” (black) cable to a solid, metal
grounded location on the engine of the vehi-
cle with the weak battery, at a point at least
18 inches from the battery. Do not connect to
any moving parts. THE MAIN SAFETY
PRECAUTION IS TO MAKE THE FINAL
GROUND CONNECTION ON THE
ENGINE AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM
THE BATTERY. THIS HELPS TO
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF EXPLO-
SION DUE TO SPARKS.
8. Start the engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery, and allow it to run for a few
minutes at moderate r.p.m. Then start the
engine of the vehicle with the discharged
battery.
Automotive batteries produce caustic
acid, explosive gases, and electrical
current which may cause burns. It is
important that the instructions below
are followed
exactly
, or personal
injury (particularly to eyes) or prop-
erty damage may result due to battery
explosion, battery acid, or electrical
(short circuit) burns.
•
NEVER smoke near the battery or
expose it to open flame or electri-
cal sparks.
•
Wear eye protection or shield
your eyes while working near bat-
tery, in case an explosion does
occur. NEVER lean over a bat-
tery.
•
Do not allow battery fluid to con-
tact eyes, skin, clothing, or
painted surfaces. Immediately
flush any contacted area with
water. If eyes are affected, seek
medical help after flushing.
•
Remove all metal jewelry to
lessen the risk of a short circuit
occurring.
WARNING
