Items of Special Importance General
– 7 –
• Ensure that all lights are switched
off when not required.
•
Vehicles fitted with a liftgate:
Avoid
excessive and severe battery drain
when operating the liftgate.
Battery Charging
WARNING! Battery posts,
terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals
known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
WARNING! Do not try to
charge a frozen battery.
(Even a battery with ice par-
ticles on the electrolyte sur-
face is dangerous.) Allow it
to thaw out first. And always
allow the battery to thaw
gradually—do not apply
direct heat. Gas trapped in
the ice may cause an explo-
sion.
First connect the positive (+) terminal of
the battery charger to the positive (+)
terminal post of the battery and then
the negative (–) terminal to the negative
(–) terminal post. After charging, switch
off the battery charger and then discon-
nect the negative (–) terminal followed
by the positive (+) terminal. For normal
charging, the battery cables may
remain in place. For fast-charging, both
battery cables must be disconnected.
Jump Starting Vehicles
It is not recommended that you attempt
to jump start your vehicle. If you have a
battery problem, it is best to contact a
dealer or a reputable towing service.
However, if your battery is discharged
(dead), you may be able to start it by
using energy from a good battery in
another vehicle. This is termed “jump
starting.” Be sure to follow the precau-
tions and instructions below.
WARNING! Batteries can
injure you severely. They
contain acid, produce poi-
sonous and explosive
gases, and supply levels of
electric current high enough
to cause burns. A spark or
flame near a battery on
charge may cause it to
explode with great force.
PB1340A.book Page 7 Friday, September 1, 2000 7:40 AM