Jump Starting: Service and Repair
JUMP STARTING
WARNING: Do not jump start a frozen battery, personal injury can result. Do not jump start a vehicle when the battery fluid is below the top of lead plates. Do not allow jumper cable clamps to touch each other when connected to a booster source. Do not use open flame near battery. Remove metallic jewelry worn on hands or wrists to avoid injury by accidental arcing of battery current. When using a high output boosting device, do not allow battery voltage to exceed 16 volts. Refer to instructions provided with device being used. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury or death.
CAUTION: When using another vehicle as a booster, do not allow vehicles to touch. Electrical systems can be damaged on either vehicle.
NOTE: For information on accessing the battery for service or replacement Battery - Removal
TO JUMP START A DISABLED VEHICLE:
WARNING:
- Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can be hurt by the fan.
- Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
- Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an output that exceeds 12 Volts.
WARNING:
- Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, or clothing. Don't lean over battery when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area immediately with large quantities of water.
- A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
NOTE: The battery is stored in a compartment that is located behind the left front fender and is accessible through the wheel well. Remote jump-start terminals are located in the engine compartment.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry such as watchbands or bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach, but without allowing the vehicles to touch. Set parking brake, place automatic transaxle in PARK, and turn ignition to LOCK for both vehicles.
WARNING: Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection and personal injury could result.
3. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical loads.
4. Remove the protective cover (1) over the remote jump-start positive battery post (2) (+) in the engine compartment. Connect one end of the jumper cable to the positive battery post (2). Connect the other end of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster battery.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal of the booster battery and then to the engine ground (-) of the vehicle with the discharged battery (5). Make sure you have a good contact on the engine ground.
6. If the vehicle is equipped with Sentry Key Immobilizer, turn the ignition switch to the ON position for three seconds before moving the ignition switch to the START position.
7. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
8. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
9. Reinstall the protective cover over the remote jump-start positive battery post.
WARNING: During cold weather when temperatures are below freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting because the battery could rupture or explode. The battery temperature must be brought up above freezing point before attempting jump-start.
WARNING: Any procedure other than above could result in:
- Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out the battery vent;
- Personal injury or property damage due to battery explosion;
- Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or of immobilized vehicle.