Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
12 00... Notes/information on start assistance (jump starting): Operation
It is essential to conform to the procedures so as to avoid injury to persons or damage to parts.
- Automatic transmission: select drive position "P", apply parking brake.
- Manual transmission: move gear lever to neutral position, apply parking brake.
- Ensure that the jump leads cannot get caught in rotating parts, e.g. fan.
- First connect both positive poles of the batteries with one jump starting cable (red).
- Use the battery positive terminal in the engine compartment for vehicles with the battery in the luggage compartment.
- Then use the second jump starting cable (black) to connect the negative post of the current-supplying battery with the earth/ground point (not the negative pole or the body) of the vehicle to be started.
Risk of explosion!
After the engine of the vehicle to be started has fired, first disconnect the jump starting cable between the negative pole and the earth/ground point. Then remove the starting cable from the positive poles.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.