GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: Departure from these conditions or the procedure below could result in: (1) serious personal injury (particularly to eyes) or property damage from such causes as battery explosion, battery acid or electrical burns; and/or (2) damage to the electronic components of either vehicle. Never expose any battery to open flame or electric spark-batteries generate a gas which is flammable and explosive. Remove rings, watches and other jewelry. Wear approved eye protection. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces-battery fluid is a corrosive acid. Flush any contacted area with water immediately and thoroughly. Be careful that metal tools or jumper cables do not contact the positive battery terminal (or metal in contact with it) or any other metal on the vehicle-a short circuit will occur.

Notice: When jump starting a vehicle with charging equipment, be sure the equipment used is 12 V and negative ground. Do not use 24 V charging equipment. Using such equipment can cause serious damage to the electrical system or electronic parts.

Important: Inspect the built-in battery hydrometer of the discharged battery.

If the hydrometer is clear or light yellow, do not attempt to jump start the vehicle or charge the vehicle battery. Refer to Battery Hydrometer Displays Yellow Dot .

    Important: Do NOT allow the vehicles to make contact with each other.

  1. Position the booster battery/system in order to allow the booster battery/system cables to reach the discharged battery.
  2. Perform the following steps on BOTH vehicles (if applicable).
  3. 2.1. Shift the transmission into PARK.
    2.2. Apply the parking brake.
    2.3. Block the wheels.
    2.4. Turn all of the vehicle accessories (electrical loads) OFF except the hazard flashers if they are needed.
    2.5. Turn the ignition OFF.

    Object Number: 498828  Size: SH

    Important: Some vehicles have a battery remote positive stud. ALWAYS use the battery remote positive stud in order to give or receive a jump start.

    Important: Use ONLY jumper cables that are in good operating condition and do not have loose or missing cable insulation.

  4. Attach the POSITIVE (+/RED) booster cable (1) to the positive stud of the BOOSTER battery (A).
  5. Attach the opposite end of the POSITIVE (+/RED) booster cable (2) to the positive stud of the DISCHARGED battery (B).
  6. Attach the GROUND (-/BLACK) booster cable (3) to the negative terminal of the booster battery (A).
  7. Caution: Do not connect a jumper cable directly to the negative terminal of a discharged battery to prevent sparking and possible explosion of battery gases.

  8. Attach the opposite end of the GROUND (-/BLACK) booster cable (4) to a HEAVY METAL engine ground (such as the engine lift hook bracket). Keep the booster cables away from the accessory drive belt, the drive belt pulleys, the cooling fans, the exhaust pipes or any other parts that move or get hot when the engine starts.
  9. Start the engine of the vehicle that is providing the boost. Raise the engine speed (RPM) to approximately 1500 RPM.
  10. Attempt to start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery. If the engine does not crank or cranks too slowly, perform the following steps:
  11. 8.1. Turn the ignition OFF.
    8.2. Allow the booster vehicle engine to run at approximately 1500 RPM for five minutes.
    8.3. Attempt to start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

    Object Number: 499090  Size: SH
  12. Remove the GROUND (-/BLACK) booster cable (1) from the heavy metal engine ground (such as the engine lift hook bracket).
  13. Remove the opposite end of the GROUND (-/BLACK) booster cable (2) from the negative terminal of the booster battery (A).
  14. Remove the POSITIVE (+/RED) booster cable (3) from the positive stud of the BOOSTER battery (A).
  15. Remove the opposite end of the POSITIVE (+/RED) booster cable (4) from the positive stud of the DISCHARGED battery (B).