SMART FORTWO CABRIO Operating Instructions Manual page 258

Battery
Jump starting
If your battery is flat and the car will not
start, another vehicle may be able to help
you start.
Start your car's engine with the aid of
jumper cables and
the battery of the assisting vehicle.
Observe the following instructions when
doing this.
Danger of injury!
There is a risk of acid burns when
jump starting a vehicle or recharging
the battery due to escaping gases.
Therefore, do not lean over the battery.
256 Communications breakdown
Danger of explosion!
Gases escaping from the battery
during jump starting may cause minor
explosions. Avoid creating sparks.
Keep naked flames away from the bat
tery and do not smoke.
Comply with safety precautions and
take protective measures when han
dling batteries .
Things you need to know
Only use batteries with identically rated
voltages (12 volt).
Ensure that the capacity of the battery
in the assisting vehicle is not signifi
cantly lower than that of the discharged
battery.
Use jumper cables of a suitable cross
section and insulated cable clamps;
these are available from a qualified
workshop, such as a smart center.
Ensure that the vehicles do not contact
each other.
Position the jumper cables such that
they cannot be caught by rotating parts
in the engine compartment.
Do not disconnect the discharged bat
tery from the vehicle's electrical sys
tem.