2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual - Page 359

Vehicle Care 10-73 { WARNING Using an open flame 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 do not 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 do not, explosive gas could be present. Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do not 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. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely. Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to the vehicle that would not be covered by the warranty. Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it will not work, and it could damage the vehicle. Notice: If the radio or other accessories are left on during the jump starting procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the warranty. Always turn off the radio and other accessories when jump starting the vehicle. Notice: If the jumper cables are connected or removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always connect and remove the jumper cables in the correct order, making sure that the cables do not touch each other or other metal. 1. The vehicle used to jump start must have 12-volt battery with a negative ground. Notice: Only use a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a negative ground for jump starting. If the other vehicle does not have a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. 2. The vehicles should be close enough for the jumper cables to reach, but the vehicles should not be touching. Touching could cause grounding and possible electrical system damage. Put both vehicles in P (Park) and set the parking brake firmly. 3. Unplug accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off the radio and all lamps that are not needed. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.