Pontiac 1998 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 203

i
.
Check the other vehicle. It must have
a
12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
I
NOTICE:
If the other system isn't
a
12-volt system with
a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
2.
Get the vehicles close enough
so
the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each
other.
If they are, it could cause a
ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
T o
avoid the
possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on
both
vehicles involved in
the
jump
start procedure. Put an automatic transaxle in
PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in NEUTRAL (N)
before setting the parking brake.
3. Turn off
the
ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter. Turn
o f f
all lamps that aren't needed as well
as radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both
batteries. In addition, it could save your radio!
I
NOTICE:
If you leave
your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
A
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
1
5-4