2008 Suzuki Forenza Owner's Manual - Page 165

SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE CAUTION If the other system isn't a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle. 2) Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump start procedure. Put an automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake. 3) Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or in the accessory power outlet. Turn off the radio and all lamps that aren't needed. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it could save your radio! 4) Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminal locations on each vehicle. Your vehicle's positive (+) terminal is located under a red tethered cap on the battery. The negative (-) terminal is located under a black tethered cap on the battery. See "Engine Compartment Overview" in this section for more information on location. Flip the caps up to access the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. WARNING Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don't need to add water to the battery installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you don't, explosive gas could be present. Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Don't get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately. 5) Check that the jumper cables don't have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. Negative (-) will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote negative (-) terminal if the vehicle with the dead battery has one. Don't connect positive (+) to negative (-) or you'll get a short that would dam- WARNING An electric fan under the hood can start up and injure you even when the engine is not running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. CAUTION If you leave your radio or other accessories on during the jump starting procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and other accessories when jump starting your vehicle. 5-21