Battery - Jump Starting Not Recommended
GROUP 61Chassis - Electrical
Bulletin Number
61 11 89 (1944)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
October 1989
Technical Dept.
This Service Information Bulletin superseded S.I. 65 08 85 (1124). Information for all models has been included. Please remove and discard S.I. 65 08 85 (1124) from your S.I binder.
SUBJECT:
Jump Starting of Vehicles
MODELS:
All
Situation:
"Jump starting" should be avoided because of possible damage to certain electric components. The electrical components found through-out our cars can handle voltage up to 15V for brief periods only. Jump starting equipment found on some tow trucks operate at 18 and up to 24 volts. Damage to certain electrical components is assured if this equipment is used.
Disconnecting the battery leads and charging the battery is recommended. However, in certain circumstances, jump staring may not be available. To protect the electrical components in the car, follow the procedure described below.
Procedure:
Follow this procedure (taken from Owner's Manuals) for all vehicles. For models produced between 1981 and 1984 the appropriate fuse must be removed to protect the On Board Computer. Refer to the chart.
Jump Starting
If the battery is run down, the engine can still be started by running "jumper" cables to the battery from a second vehicle.
1. Check that the other vehicle has a 12-volt electrical system and a battery of approximately the same capacity in A/h.
Warning:
The use of booster batteries with more than 12 volts may cause immediate and irreparable damage to the electronic components of your vehicle. The capacity (Ah) of the booster battery should not be lower than that of the discharged battery. Use of batteries of different voltage or substantially different Ah rating may cause an explosion and personal injury.
2. The dead battery had to remain connected.
3. Do not allow the two vehicles to touch one another, or a short circuit may result.
4. First connect the positive terminals of the cars, batteries together. The positive terminal of the jumper cable can be connected in the engine compartment on the right side of the heater bulkhead (except on the convertible).
Then connect the second jumper cable to the negative post of the second car's battery and to the lifting bracket or engine block of your car.
Warning:
If connections deviate from that described in the foregoing, damage to both charging systems or even serious personal injury could result.
5. Run the other car's engine at a steady 2000 rpm and then start your engine in the usual manner.
Before disconnecting the jumper cables make certain that the engine is at idle speed; switch on headlights, blower and rear window defroster to avoid damage to car's electrical system. Carefully disconnect the jumper cables, starting with the negative terminal.
On-Board Computer I equipped vehicles:
Remove the illustrated fuse(s).