GMC Terrain: Jump Starting - Vehicle Care - GMC Terrain Owner's ManualGMC Terrain: Jump Starting

For more information about the vehicle battery, see Battery on page 10‑26.

Jump starting can be used on vehicles with run&-down batteries by using jumper cables and another vehicle.

WARNING

Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because:
○ They contain acid that can burn you.
○ They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
○ They contain enough electricity to burn you.

If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.

Using an open flame near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light.

Be sure the battery has enough water. You do not need to add water to the battery installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you do not, explosive gas could be present.

Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately.

Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely. Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to the vehicle that would not be covered by the warranty.

Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it will not work, and it could damage the vehicle.

Notice: If any accessories are left on or plugged in during the jump starting procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or unplug all accessories on either vehicle when jump starting the vehicle.

Notice: If the jumper cables are connected or removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always connect and remove the jumper cables in the correct order, making sure that the cables do not touch each other or other metal.

1. The vehicle used to jump start must have 12-volt battery with a negative ground.

Notice: Only use a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a negative ground for jump starting. If the other vehicle does not have a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

2. The vehicles should be close enough for the jumper cables to reach, but the vehicles should not be touching. Touching could cause grounding and possible electrical system damage. Put both vehicles in P (Park) and set the parking brake firmly.

3. Unplug accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off the radio and all lamps that are not needed. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.

4. Locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on both vehicles. Some vehicles have remote jump starting terminals.

WARNING

WARNING

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.

5. The remote positive (+) terminal (A) is located on the underhood fuse block, on the driver side. Lift the red cap to uncover the terminal.

The remote negative (−) terminal (B) is a stud behind the metal tab stamped with GND (−) near the driver side strut tower.

6. The jumper cables should be in good working condition with no loose or missing insulation. The vehicles could be damaged if they are not.

7. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

8. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

9. Connect the black negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.

Do not let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery.

10. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move.

11. Start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine.

12. Press the unlock symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter to disarm the security system, if equipped.

13. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a few tries, it needs service.

Notice: If the jumper cables are connected or removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always connect and remove the jumper cables in the correct order, making sure that the cables do not touch each other or other metal.

Jumper Cable Removal

Jumper Cable Removal

A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote Negative (−) Terminal
B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) and Remote Negative (−) Terminals
C. Dead Battery or Remote Positive (+) Terminal

To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles,

1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other vehicle.
5. Return the underhood fuse block cover to its original position, if applicable.

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