1997 Ford Windstar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 273

Roadside Emergencies WARNING To protect yourself when charging a battery, always shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can breathe fresh air. WARNING Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners. WARNING Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes, and clothing. If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing, immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately. To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service. To prepare your vehicle for jump-starting: 1. Use only a 12-volt battery to jump-start your vehicle. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to use a 12-volt jumper system. You can damage your starting motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt batteries in series or a 24-volt motor generator set). 2. Do not disconnect the battery of the vehicle that needs a jump-start. You could damage the vehicle's electrical system. 273