GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Do not try to jump start a vehicle if you are unsure of the voltage or ground of the other vehicle, or if the voltage and ground of the other vehicle is different.

Diesel engine vehicles have more than one battery. The following procedure can be used to start a single-battery vehicle from any of the batteries of a diesel engine vehicle. However, at low temperatures, starting a diesel engine vehicle from a single battery in another vehicle may not be possible.

Be careful of the booster battery and the discharged battery when using jumper cables. Be careful in order to avoid causing sparks.

Caution: Batteries produce explosive gases. Batteries contain corrosive acid. Batteries supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of personal injury while working near a battery, observe the following guidelines:

   • Always shield your eyes.
   • Avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
   • Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
   • Do not allow battery acid to contact the eyes or the skin.
      - Flush any contacted areas with water immediately and thoroughly.
      - Get medical help.

Notice: Push starting the vehicle can, under some conditions, cause damage to the catalytic converter and an automatic transmission.

This vehicle has a 12 Volt, negative ground electrical system. Make sure the vehicle or equipment being used to jump start the engine is also 12 Volt, negative ground. Use of any other type of system will damage the vehicle's electrical components.

Jump Starting Procedure


    Object Number: 181056  Size: SH
  1. Check the built-in hydrometer. If the hydrometer is clear or light yellow (3), do not jump start the battery. Replace the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement
  2. Ensure the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation.
  3. Position the vehicle with the booster (good) battery so that the jumper cables will reach, but DO NOT let the vehicles touch.
  4. Block the wheels. Set the parking brake and place the transmission in N (Neutral).
  5. Turn off the ignition switch, the lights and all the components that are not needed except for the hazard flasher or any lamps in the work area.

  6. Object Number: 181058  Size: SH
  7. Connect one jumper cable to the positive terminal of the booster battery (2) and the positive terminal of the discharged battery (3).
  8. Attach one end of the other jumper cable to the negative terminal of the booster battery (1).
  9. Attach the remaining end of the jumper cable to a solid ground (4) at least 450 mm (18 in) from the booster battery.
  10. Start the engine of the vehicle with the booster battery. Turn off all electrical accessories.
  11. Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
  12. Disconnect the jumper cable from the ground (4).
  13. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the negative terminal of the booster battery (1).
  14. Remove the jumper cable connecting the positive terminals.