Mercedes-Benz 1998 SL 500 Operator's Manual page 126

Jump Starting
Warning!
Failure to follow these directions will
cause damage to the electronic
components, and can lead to a
battery explosion and personal
injury.
Never lean over batteries while
connecting or jump starting, you
might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid.
Do not allow this fluid to come in
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In
case it does, immediately flush
affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen
gas, which is flammable and very
explosive. Keep flames or sparks
away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc..
Read all instructions before
proceeding.
If the battery is discharged, the engine
should be started with jumper cables
and the (12 V) battery of another
vehicle.
The battery is located in the trunk
behind the right-hand cover panel.
Proceed as follows:
1. Position the vehicle with the
charged battery so that the
jumper cables will reach, but
never let the vehicles touch.
Make sure the jumper cables do
not have loose or missing
insulation.
2. On both vehicles:
• Turn off engine and all lights
and accessories, except hazard
flashers or work lights.
• Apply parking brake and shift
selector lever to position "P".
Important!
3. Clamp one end of the first
jumper cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery
and the other end to the positive
(+) terminal of the charged battery.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal parts.
4. Clamp one end of the second
jumper cable to the grounded
negative (-) terminal of the
charged battery and the final
connection to the negative (-)
terminal of the discharged
battery.
Important!
5. Start engine of the vehicle with
the charged battery arid run at
high idle". Make sure the jumper
cables are not near pulleys,
fans, or other parts that will
move when the engine is
started. Then start engine of the
disabled vehicle in the usual
manner.
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