Connecting an auxiliary battery using jumpers

WARNING: If the booster battery has recently been recharged and is gassing, cover the vent plugs or caps with a damp cloth. This will reduce the risk of an explosion if sparks occur when connecting jumper cables. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury.

CAUTION: A discharged battery may be caused by a short circuit in the electrical circuit. If the battery is discharged, there is likely to be a live electrical circuit in the vehicle even with all electrical circuits off. This electrical circuit may cause sparking when jumper wires are connected.

CAUTION: Although it is not recommended to jump start the engine, we do recognize that sometimes this may be the only practical way to get the vehicle moving. In this case, the dead battery should be recharged immediately after starting using jumper cables. Otherwise, permanent damage to the battery may occur.

• Always ensure that the connecting wires (jumpers) are suitable for the task at hand. Heavy-duty (high-current) cables should be used.
• The auxiliary battery voltage should always be the same as the vehicle battery voltage (meaning nominal characteristics). Batteries should be connected in parallel.
• Always check that all switched electrical circuits are switched off before connecting the connecting wires. This reduces the risk of sparking during the final connection.

WARNING: Whenever the jumper cables are connected to the battery, the ends of the cables must not touch each other or the vehicle body. Shorting a fully charged battery through the jumper cables can cause it to discharge at a current of over 1000 A. This will cause purple sparking and very rapid heating of the jumper cables and terminals. In some cases, the battery may explode. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury.

Always connect the connecting wires in the following order:

• First connect to the positive terminal of the booster battery, then to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery.
• Next connect to the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery and then to the vehicle ground at least 300 mm from the battery terminal, for example to an engine lift bracket.

Always reduce the engine crankshaft speed to idle before connecting the connecting wires.

Before removing the jumper cables from a vehicle that has a dead battery, turn on the heater fan (maximum) or rear window defroster. This will reduce the voltage peak that occurs after removing the cables.

Connecting wires should always be disconnected in the reverse order of connection. Extreme care should be taken not to short-circuit the ends of the wires.

If you want to restore a dead battery, do not rely on the alternator. It will take more than eight hours of continuous driving without any other additional load on the battery to charge the battery from the alternator.