Battery: Service Precautions

Jump Starting a Vehicle

CAUTION:
- While it is not recommended that a vehicle is jump started, it is recognized that this may occasionally be the only practical way to mobilize a vehicle. Reference should be made to the following and also to Jump Starting.

^ It is advisable not to use starter/charger sets for jump starting but if this is unavoidable, ensure that the sets are not used in the 'START' mode.

^ Always make sure that the jumper cables are adequate for the task.
^ Always make sure that the slave battery is of the same voltage (12 volts) as the vehicle battery. The batteries must be connected in parallel.
^ Ensure that the battery terminals of both batteries are fully tightened.
^ Where another vehicle is used to jump start a disabled vehicle, ensure that the two vehicles are not touching.
^ It is advisable that the engine of the donor vehicle is switched off during jump starting; take care to ensure that the battery of the donor vehicle does not also become discharged.
^ Always make sure that switchable electric circuits are OFF before connecting jump cables. This reduces the risk of arcing occurring when the final connection is made.

Following jump starting of a disabled vehicle, the discharged battery must be checked for serviceability and recharged as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.

Do not rely on the generator to restore a discharged battery. For a generator to recharge a battery, it would take in excess of eight hours continuous driving with no additional loads placed on the battery.

Trickle charging (defined as voltages <16 volts) may be carried out with the battery connected. Ensure that the battery terminals are fully tightened prior to trickle charging.

CAUTION: Boost charging may only be carried out with the battery disconnected from the vehicle.