Jump Starting

For more information about the vehicle battery, see Battery  If the battery has run down, try to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle.

Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.

Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: WARNING
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because:

► They contain acid that can burn you.

► They contain gas that can explode or ignite.

► They contain enough electricity to burn you.

If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.

Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to the vehicle that would not be covered by the warranty.

Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it will not work, and it could damage the vehicle.

The jump start negative (A) is the power steering line fitting and bolt on the top of the power steering pump.

The jump start positive (B) is located under a trim cover in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. 2.0L Engine Shown, 2.4L Similar

The jump start positive (B) is located under a trim cover in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle.

These locations are used instead of a direct connection to the battery. 2.0L Engine Shown, 2.4L Similar

These locations are used instead of a direct connection to the battery.

1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system.

Notice: Only use a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a negative ground for jump starting. If the other vehicle does not have a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump start procedure. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in Neutral before setting the parking brake.

Notice: If the radio or other accessories are left on during the jump starting procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the warranty. Always turn off the radio and other accessories when jump starting the vehicle.

4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF and switch off all lights and accessories in both vehicles, except the hazard warning flashers if needed.

An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. WARNING
An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. WARNING
Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode.

People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded.

Use a flashlight if you need more light.

Be sure the battery has enough water. You do not need to add water to the battery installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you don't, explosive gas could be present.

Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately.

Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running. WARNING
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running.

5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the jump start positive (+) post (A). Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
6. Do not let the other end of the red positive (+) cable touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery (B). Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–) terminal of the good battery (C). Use a remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.

Do not let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (–) cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote negative (–) terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery.

8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to an unpainted heavy metal engine part (D) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine at idle speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

Notice: If the jumper cables are connected or removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Always connect and remove the jumper cables in the correct order, making sure that the cables do not touch each other or other metal.

A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote Negative (–) Terminal Jumper Cable Removal

A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote Negative (–) Terminal

B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) and Remote Negative (–) Terminals

C. Dead Battery or Remote Positive (+) Terminal

To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles:

1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other vehicle.
5. Return the caps over the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals to their original positions.

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