2004 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 194

Jump Starting Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions. To Jump Start Your Vehicle: A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby. Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery. You cannot start a Honda with an automatic transmission by pushing or pulling it. 1. Open the hood and check the physical condition of the battery. In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or like ice, do not try jump starting until it thaws. NOTICE: If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze. Attempting to jump start with a f rozen battery can cause it to rupture. 2. Turn off all the electrical accessories: heater, A/C, climate control, stereo system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in Neutral or Park, and set the parking brake. 3. Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( ) terminal on your battery. Connect the other end to the positive ( ) terminal on the booster battery. 4. Connect the second jumper cable to the negative ( ) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding strap as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine. 5. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle. CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected 191