Emergency Engine Start
This guide provides instructions for jump-starting a vehicle with a discharged battery using a donor battery from another vehicle. It is the only approved method for starting an engine in such cases. Charging a battery while it is installed in the vehicle is prohibited. Starting a vehicle by towing or coasting is not recommended.
Safety Precautions
- Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.
- Batteries normally emit explosive hydrogen gas. Do not allow sparks or open flames in the engine compartment.
- Do not attempt to start the engine if the electrolyte is suspected to be frozen.
- Ensure both batteries have the same voltage (12V) and that the jumper cables have insulated clamps and are approved for 12V batteries.
- Do not disconnect the discharged battery.
- Do not connect the positive (+) terminal to the negative (–) terminal.
- Ensure jumper cables do not touch any moving parts in the engine compartment.
- Exercise caution when working near rotating engine parts.
Starting from Another Vehicle
Warning: If using another vehicle's battery, the vehicles must not touch each other. This can cause a short circuit, sparking, and damage.
Position the vehicles so the batteries are close but not touching. Ensure the vehicle bodies do not make contact.
Engage the parking brake in both vehicles and ensure the gearshift levers are in neutral (or Park 'P' for automatic transmissions).
Turn off the ignition and all electrical equipment in both vehicles before connecting the cables.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
- Warning: Do not use jump starters with a voltage of 24V, as this can damage the vehicle's electrical system.
- Always use the recommended connection points.
- Do not connect the black (negative) cable to the negative terminal of the discharged battery. This can cause sparks, fire, or explosion. Use only the negative terminal for connection.
- If you have any doubts, seek qualified assistance. Ensure all connections are secure. If a clamp accidentally slips off a battery terminal, it can cause sparking and lead to fire or explosion.
Positive (+) connection point: The positive (+) terminal on the battery is shown in the right illustration.
Negative (–) connection point: The negative (–) connection point is a special nut located on the suspension strut (see illustration).
Jump-Starting Procedure
Connect the jumper cables only to the specified points and ensure they do not touch any moving parts in the engine compartment.
Procedure for Jump-Starting with a Donor Battery
- On the vehicle with the donor battery, connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the battery or the positive (+) connection point in the engine compartment (if available).
- On the vehicle with the discharged battery, connect the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the battery or the positive (+) connection point (if available).
- On the vehicle with the donor battery, connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative (–) terminal of the battery or the negative (–) connection point (if available).
- Connect the other end of the black jumper cable to the negative (-) connection point or a suitable grounding point on the vehicle with the discharged battery (e.g., engine mount or unpainted metal surface) at least 0.5 m (20 inches) away from the battery, and well away from fuel lines and brake lines.
- Ensure that in the engine compartments of both vehicles, the cables do not touch any moving parts. Start the engine of the vehicle with the donor battery and let it run at idle for a few minutes.
- Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Once both engines are running smoothly, let them idle for two minutes. Then, turn off the engine of the donor vehicle.
Warning: Do not turn on any electrical circuits in the vehicle with the discharged battery until it has been disconnected from the jumper cables.
Warning: If the engine does not start immediately, the battery may need to be recharged or replaced. Refer to the sections on Battery Disconnection (p. 279), Battery Removal (p. 280), and Battery Installation (p. 281).
Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order of connection.
If the vehicle's power supply was interrupted, the ABS and DSC systems will be deactivated (indicated by warning lights). To reactivate these systems, drive a short distance or turn the steering wheel between the extreme positions while the engine is running. The ABS and DSC warning lights will turn off once the systems are reactivated.
