Jump starting the vehicle
Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can even freeze at temperatures of approx.
0°C (+32°F).
—Do not jump start a vehicle with a frozen or thawed 12-volt vehicle
battery.
Preparations
Observe the following information when carrying out jump starting:
✓ Wear suitable eye protection and protective gloves→
✓ Observe the jump lead manufacturer's instructions.
✓ Open the bonnet.
.
✓ Always use jump leads with fully insulated terminal clamps and intact insulation for jump starting→
.
✓ Ensure that there is sufficient distance between the vehicle giving the jump start and the vehicle receiving the
jump start, as any contact could mean that electricity could flow as soon as the positive battery terminals are
connected.
✓ Ensure that the battery clamps have good metal-to-metal contact with the battery terminals.
Jump leads
Suitable jump leads are required to provide and receive jump starts.
The following minimum wire cross-sections of jump leads must be observed for the vehicle providing the jump start.
— Vehicles with electric drive: For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle battery, the wire cross-
section of the jump lead must be at least 25 mm2 (0.038 in2).
— Vehicles with hybrid drive: For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle battery, the wire cross-
section of the jump lead must be at least 25 mm2 (0.038 in2).
— Vehicles with a petrol engine:For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle battery, the wire
cross-section of the jump lead must be at least 25 mm2 (0.038 in2).
— Vehicles with diesel engine:For jump starting the vehicle with a discharged 12-volt vehicle battery, the wire cross-
section of the jump lead must be at least 35 mm2 (0.054 in2).
Vehicle receiving jump start
1. Check that the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery is properly connected to the 12-volt electrical system.
2. If the fitted 12-volt vehicle battery has a battery window, check the colour of the window. If the battery
window is light yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.
Vehicle giving jump start
1. Observe the owner’s manual issued by the vehicle manufacturer.
2. Check that the vehicle battery providing assistance has the same voltage(12 volts) and approximately the same
capacity as the discharged 12-volt vehicle battery. Check the label on the vehicle battery of the vehicle giving
the jump start.
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