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Jump starting using another battery

If the vehicle won't start, it could be because the 12 V battery is discharged. The battery can then be recharged using electrical current from another vehicle's battery or an external charger.

Under normal conditions, the 12 V battery is charged when the vehicle is charged, and through electrical current transfer directly from the high-voltage battery when the vehicle is not plugged in for charging.

If the 12 V battery becomes discharged for any reason, it can be jump-started. There are several reasons why a battery may become discharged, such as the vehicle not being used for a long period of time, a temporary malfunction or a blown fuse in the vehicle's charging circuit. A discharged 12 V battery needs to be recharged to a level high enough that it can start the vehicle's electrical system. After startup, it is possible to start charging of the vehicle using a charging cable, which is necessary when the high-voltage battery is also discharged. If the vehicle is out of range for charging, it must be towed.

To jump-start the vehicle, you will need to connect jumper cables to the charging points on the 12 V battery.

Access to charging points

The protective panel that provides access to the charging points is located at the front of the vehicle, to the left under the hood, and is held in place with plugs. To remove these plugs, use a screwdriver, pen or similar to press in the locking pin in the middle of the plug. When the pin is pressed in far enough, the plug can be pulled out. Avoid pushing the pin all the way through the plug, as this could cause it to dislodge and fall down between components.

When reinstalling the panel, pull the locking pin out completely before reinserting the plug. When the plug is inserted in the attachment hole, push the pin into place again to secure the panel.

PS2-2007-Remove panel under hood
Remove the 5 plugs and lift up the panel.

Connecting jumper cables

PS2-2007-Starter cable clamp position
The charging points under the panel. The positive, at the rear next to one of the vehicle's fuse boxes, and the negative, which is a bolt toward the front of the vehicle that is in contact with the vehicle's chassis.

 Important

The vehicle's charging points are only intended for jump-starting your own vehicle. The charging points are not intended for jump-starting another vehicle. Using the charging points to jump-start another vehicle could cause a fuse to blow, which would cause the charging points to stop working.

If the message 12 V battery fuse failure Service required is shown in the instrument panel, a fuse has blown and must be replaced.

To avoid short circuits or other damage, the following steps are recommended when jump-starting the battery using another battery:

Put the vehicle's electrical system in Passive usage mode.
Make sure the assisting battery has a voltage of 12 V.
If the battery is in another vehicle, turn off that vehicle's motor and make sure that the vehicles are not touching each other.
Clamp one end of the red jumper cable onto the assisting battery's positive terminal, often marked in red or with a plus sign (+).

 Important

Use caution when connecting the jumper cables. A short circuit can occur if the ends come in contact with any other surface than the charging points.
Open the cover over the positive charging point by pressing in its side to release the catch while lifting the cover upward. There are two charging points under the cover. Use the one closest to the center of the vehicle.
Clamp the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive charging point.
Clamp one end of the black jumper cable onto the assisting battery's negative terminal, often marked in black or with a minus sign (-).
Clamp the other end of the black jumper cable to your vehicle's negative charging point. Because the vehicle's chassis serves as ground for the 12 V system, the bolt head marked in the illustration can be used.
Make sure the jumper cables are securely attached to help prevent sparks while jump starting.
Start the motor of the assisting vehicle.
Start the vehicle with the discharged battery by depressing the brake pedal and selecting gear position D or R.

 Important

Do not touch the connections between the cable and the vehicle during the start attempt. Risk of sparking.

 Note

Full startup is indicated by the indicator lights on the instrument panel going out and the panel's preselected theme illuminating.
If the high-voltage battery is also discharged, begin charging of the vehicle using the charging cable.

Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order ‒ first the black cables and then the red cables.

Make sure that none of the clamps of the black jumper cables come into contact with the vehicle's positive charging point, the assisting battery's positive terminal or either of the red jumper cable's connected clamps.

 Note

A discharged 12 V battery must be recharged until the charge level is high enough to power the vehicle's electrical system. At an ambient temperature of about +15 °C (about 60 °F), the battery must be charged by the vehicle for at least 30 minutes. At lower ambient temperatures, the charging time can increase to 3-4 hours. If possible, the battery should be charged using an external battery charger.

 Warning

PROPOSITION 65 VARNING! WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

 Warning

  • Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. A spark caused by an incorrectly connected jumper cable could be enough to make the battery explode.
  • Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
  • Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces.
  • If contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
  • Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark. Do not smoke near the battery. Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to injury.

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