Ford Contour (2000 year). Manual - part 39

Roadside emergencies

154

JUMP STARTING YOUR
VEHICLE

The gases around the
battery can explode if

exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.

Do not push start your
vehicle. You could damage

the catalytic converter.

Batteries contain sulfuric
acid which burns skin, eyes,

and clothing if contacted.

Do not attempt to push start
your vehicle. Automatic
transaxles do not have push-
start capability.

Preparing your vehicle

1. Use only a 12-volt supply to
start your vehicle.

2. Do not disconnect the battery of
the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical
system.

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3. Park the booster vehicle close to
the hood of the disabled vehicle,
making sure the two vehicles do
not touch. Set the parking brake
on both vehicles and stay clear of
the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.

4. Check all battery terminals and
remove any excessive corrosion
before you attach the battery
cables. Ensure that vent caps are
tight and level.

5. Turn the heater fan on in both
vehicles to protect from any
electrical surges. Turn all other
accessories off.

Connecting the jumper cables

1. Connect the positive (+) booster
cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharge battery.

Note: In the illustrations,
“lightning bolts” are used to
designate the assisting (boosting)
battery.

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2. Connect the other end of the
positive (+) cable to the positive
(+) terminal of the assisting
battery.

3. Connect the negative (-) cable
to the negative (-) terminal of the
assisting battery.

4. Make the final connection of the
negative (-) cable to an exposed
metal part of the stalled vehicle’s
engine, away from the battery and
the carburetor. 

The preferred locations of an
exposed metal part (to “ground”
the circuit) are the accessible
engine mount studs or an engine
lifting “eye”. Do not use fuel lines,
engine rocker covers, or the intake
manifold as “grounding” points.

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Do not connect the end of
the second cable to the

negative (-) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark may
cause an explosion of the gases
that surround the battery.

• 2.0 litre engine

• 2.5 litre engine

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