2006 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 188

188 Starting and driving To jump start your vehicle: 1 Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system. Jump starting WARNING • When working on the battery, highly explosive gas can build up. A spark could ignite this gas that collects around the battery. Therefore, always avoid sparks and open flames in the vicinity of the battery. • The battery contains corrosive sulfuric acid. Always wear a face mask or goggles when working on the battery. • If battery acid gets into the eyes or splashes onto skin or clothing, wash the affected area liberally with water. If acid gets into the eyes or a large quantity makes contact with the skin, seek medical help. • Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling. If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your Saab. Follow the steps below to do it safely. NOTICE If the other system is not a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. IB3931 NOTICE Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that would not be covered by your warranty. Trying to start your car by pushing or pulling it could damage your vehicle, even if you have a manual transmission. If you have an automatic transmission, your vehicle cannot be started by pushing or pulling it. 2 Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching each other. If a poor connection on the negative jumper cable should exist, it is possible for damage to be caused to electrical systems/components of either vehicle should inadvertent contact be made. You would not be able to start your car and bad grounding could damage electrical systems. WARNING You could be injured if the vehicles roll. Set the parking brake firmly on each vehicle. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in Neutral. 3 Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turn off all lights that are not needed, and radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries and it could save your radio.