Last Updated: 10.12.2020

Most new car batteries don’t require any maintenance. Some manufacturers still install and sell serviceable batteries, these are the ones with removable tops. When checking the electrolyte levels on serviceable batteries use only distilled water and fill enough to just cover the cell plates.

warning WARNING:Batteries emit explosive gases which are highly flammable. Keep sparks away and don’t light up a smoke!. Batteries contain Sulfuric Acid which burns the skin, eyes and clothing. Wear safety glasses when performing an emergency jump start

Jump Starting

When attempting a jump start place a damp cloth over both batteries and turn off all unnecessary loads. Place both vehicles in the Park Position (Automatic Transmission Vehicles)or the Neutral Position (Manual-Standard Transmission Vehicles) with the hand brake applied.

  • Connect the RED lead to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the flat battery.
  • Connect the other end of the same lead to the (+) of the charged or booster battery.
  • Connect the BLACK lead to the NEGATIVE (-) of the charged or booster battery.
  • Connect the other end of the same lead to the engine block of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

jump start procedure

warning

WARNING:

Do not connect the lead to the negative terminal of the discharged battery.

STARTING PROCEDURE

1. Start the engine of the vehicle with the charged or booster battery and let it run for 5 minutes.

2. Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery and allow it to idle for 5 minutes to prevent damage to the vehicles electrical system.

3. Disconnect the leads in reverse order.

warning WARNING:Do not disconnect or remove the discharged battery from the vehicle with the engine running. Damage to the Engine Management system may occur.Only use jump start procedure in an emergency and as always – Read your Vehicle Hand Book.