WARNING
Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause
the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of battery
explosion:
x
All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid
burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety
precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system
⇒
page 366,
Vehicle
battery
.
x
Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance (the booster battery) has
the same voltage as the dead battery (12 V) and about the same amperage capacity (see
battery label).
x
Never jump-start a vehicle with a thawed or frozen vehicle battery. The battery can
explode. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures 32 °F (0 °C).
x
A battery that is frozen or was frozen, but has since thawed, must be replaced.
x
When the vehicle battery is jump-started, it gives off hydrogen gas, which is highly
explosive! Always keep fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking materials far away from vehicle
batteries. Never use a mobile telephone while connecting or disconnecting jumper cables.
x
Jump-start batteries only in well-ventilated areas. Batteries give off highly explosive
hydrogen gas during jump-starting.
x
Always route the jumper cables so that they cannot get caught in any moving parts in the
engine compartment.
x
Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-)
terminals with each other.
x
Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal
of the dead battery, as this may cause the hydrogen gas given off by the dead battery to
explode.
x
Never attach the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to any part
of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines.
x
Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch.
x
Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal
parts of the vehicle.
x
Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer.
NOTICE
To help prevent extensive damage to the vehicle electrical system, read and heed the
following:
x
Connecting jumper cables improperly can cause a short circuit and do expensive damage
to the vehicle's electrical system.
x
Do not let the vehicles touch each other while the jumper cables are connected. If they do,
electrical current may flow between the vehicles when the positive (+) terminals are connected,
causing electrical system damage.