Jump Starting - Honda 2001 Civic Owner's Manual

Jump Starting

If your car's battery has run down,
you may be able to start the engine
by using a booster battery. Although
this seems like a simple procedure,
you should take several precautions.
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
You cannot start a Honda with an
automatic transmission by pushing
or pulling it.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
To jump start your car, follow these
directions closely:
1. Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page 226). In very cold
weather, check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.
NOTICE
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can freeze.
Attempting to jump start with a frozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
2. Turn off all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, stereo system,
lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.