GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Use only a vehicle with a 12-volt system or a 12-volt booster battery to jump start the Saturn vehicle.


Object Number: 870902  Size: SH

Jump Starting Procedures


    Object Number: 870889  Size: MH

    Caution: Follow these instructions or personal injury may result.

       • Wear safety glasses.
       • Do not expose battery to open flame, lighted cigarette, or electrical spark. Batteries can produce explosive hydrogen gas.
       • Do not tip battery or allow acid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics, or paint. Acid is highly corrosive. Flush exposed area with water immediately.
       • Do not wear rings, watches, or other jewelry.
       • Do not allow metal tools to touch both battery terminals at the same time.
       • Do not allow the positive terminal to touch any metal parts.
       • Keep children away from the battery.

  1. Turn the ignition key to OFF on both vehicles.
  2. Set the parking brake on both vehicles. Place the transaxle in P (Park) for automatic and N (Neutral) for manual transaxle equipped vehicles.
  3. Turn OFF all other electrical accessories and loads on both vehicles.
  4. Notice: If the hydrometer in the battery is clear or yellow and there are signs of battery damage or gassing, do not jump start the battery.

  5. Check the hydrometer. If it is clear or yellow, replace the battery.
  6. Attach one of the jumper cables to the positive terminal of the booster battery, and the other end to the positive terminal of the discharged battery.
  7. Caution: Do not touch the cooling fan. Serious personal injury may result.

    Caution: Do not connect the negative jumper cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery. Sparks may explode the battery causing serious personal injury.

  8. Attach one end of the remaining cable to the negative terminal of the booster battery, and the other end to the engine lift hook.

  9. Object Number: 870110  Size: MH
  10. Start the engine of the vehicle that is providing the jump start. Then start the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.
  11. Caution: Always remove the negative jumper cable from the engine lift hook first to avoid sparks near the battery. Sparks could explode the battery causing serious personal injury.

  12. Disconnect the negative jumper cable from the car with the dead battery first.
  13. Disconnect the other end from the negative terminal of the battery supplying the jump start.
  14. Disconnect the positive jumper cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
  15. Disconnect the other end from the other vehicle.