Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness

BEFORE YOU RAISE THE HOOD

• REVIEW THE OWNERS MANUAL. Jump starting is not recommended for some cars. Their electronic components and onboard computers may be damaged.
• PUT OUT SMOKING MATERIAL. A spark or open flame may cause an explosion that can spray acid into your eyes and face.
• PROTECT YOUR EYES. Battery acid blinds and scars. In case of sulfuric acid contact with eyes or skin, flush immediately with water. Keep flushing for at least 15 minutes.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions below are for batteries of the same voltage in vehicles with the same polarity system.

• POSITION CARS So they don't touch. Put both cars in park or neutral and set the parking brakes.
• TURN OFF accessories and ignitions in both cars.
• MAKE SURE the battery has vent caps and that vent cap holes are open to let gas escape. If in doubt, loosen or remove filler caps and cover cell openings with a damp rag.
• DON'T CHARGE THE BATTERY if the electrolyte is frozen or the fluid level is low. (Use distilled water to fill.)
• FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS in the owner's manual about connecting the cables. RED connects to the positive terminals (+) and BLACK to one negative terminal (-). Make the final cable connection to clean, unpainted metal on the engine (such as a lifting lug or alternator bracket), not to the battery.

Connect the jumper cables in the following order with the final connection as far away from the battery as possible. (Keep the cable ends apart so they don't touch.)

• START the good car and let it run for several minutes.
• Try to start the stalled car for no more than 30 seconds at a time.
• DISCONNECT the cables in the reverse order, keeping the cable ends apart.