Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: How to start the engine using jump leads

Fig. 244 How to connect the jump leads in starting vehicles without start/stop system: discharged battery ① and battery providing assistance ②

Fig. 245 How to connect the jump leads in starting vehicles with start/stop system: discharged battery ① and battery providing assistance ②

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

The discharged vehicle battery must be properly connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

The vehicles must not touch. Otherwise electricity could flow as soon as the positive terminals are connected.

Ensure that the battery clamps have good metal-to-metal contact with the battery terminals.

If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and try again after about half a minute.

Attaching the jump leads

The jump leads should only be connected in the order A – B – C – D, and

• Switch off the ignition in both vehicles.

• If necessary, open the battery cover in the engine compartment.

• Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal or of the vehicle with the discharged battery ① .

• Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal ⊕ in the vehicle providing assistance ②.

• In vehicles without the start/stop system: connect one end of the black jump lead preferably to the jump lead (earth connection) , or else to the negative terminal ㊀ of the battery in the vehicle providing assistance ② .

• In vehicles with the start/stop system: connect one end of the black jump lead ③ preferably to the jump lead (earth connection) , or to the screwed-in towing eye at the front to a solid metal part that is securely bolted onto the cylinder, or to the cylinder block itself .

• Connect the other end of the black jump lead ③ to the vehicle with the discharged battery preferably to the jump lead (earth connection) or connect it to the screwed-in towing eye at the front , a solid metal component which is bolted on to the engine block, or to the engine block itself 1㊀ .

• Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the engine compartment.

Starting the engine

• Start the engine of the vehicle providing assistance and let it run at idle.

• Start the engine of the car with the discharged vehicle battery and wait two or three minutes until the engine is running smoothly.

Removing the jump leads

• Before disconnecting the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights if they are switched on.

• Turn on the heating and fresh air system blowers and rear window heater in the vehicle battery with the discharged battery. This helps to minimise voltage peaks which are generated when the leads are disconnected.

• The jump leads should only be removed in the order D – C – B – A, and .

• Close the battery cover.

• If required, unscrew the front towing eye.

WARNING

Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the battery to explode, which can lead to serious injuries. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of the battery exploding:

• All work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns, fire and electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety information before carrying out any kind of work on the vehicle battery .

• Always wear suitable eye protection and never lean over the vehicle battery.

• Attach the connector cables in the correct order – the positive cable first, followed by the negative.

• Never connect the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.

• The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to touch. The jump lead attached to the positive vehicle battery terminal must not touch metal parts of the vehicle.

• Check the window on the vehicle battery using a torch if necessary. If the display is light yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.

• Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. The gas emitted from the vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.

• Do not use jump leads to start the engine if the vehicle battery is damaged or if it is or has ever been frozen.