1997 GMC Savana Van Owner's Manual - Page 199

5 . Check that the jumper cables don't have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could bedamaged, too. Using a match near a battery cancause 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 batteries have enough water. You don't need to addwater to the Delco Freedom@ battery (orbatteries) installed in everynew GM vehicle. But if a battery hasfiller caps, be sure the right amountof fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take careof 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 medicalhelp immediately. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go toan unpainted metal engine part or a body metal surface. Don't connect positive (+) to negative (-) or you will get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts, too. And don'tconnect the negative (-) to negative (-). \ CAUTION: Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running.