1998 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 149

Roadside emergencies JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or vehicle damage. Do not push start your vehicle. You could damage the catalytic converter. Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes, and clothing. Preparing your vehicle Also see the label on the battery. 1. Use only a 12-volt supply to start your vehicle. If you connect your battery to a 24-volt power supply you can damage your starter, ignition system and other electrical components. 2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could damage the vehicle's electrical system. 3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle making sure they do not touch. Set the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving parts. 4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before you attach the battery cables. 5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical surges. Turn all other accessories off. Connecting the jumper cables 1. Position the vehicles so that they do not touch one another. 2. Switch off the engine. Switch off any unnecessary electrical equipment. 3. Connect the positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery (1) to the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery (2). 4. Connect one end of the second lead to the negative (-) terminal of the booster battery (3) and the other end to a metal part of the engine to be started (4), not to the negative (-) terminal of the discharged battery. 149