Battery VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2009 Owner's Guide

Using jumper cables

Fig. 229 Diagram for attaching the jumper cables: Dead battery 1 and booster battery 2.

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Starting the engine
x Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery that is providing help and let it run at idle speed.
x Turn on the ignition of the vehicle with the dead battery. If the engine starts, wait 2 to 3 minutes
until it “runs smoothly” before removing the jumper cables as described below ⇒ . If the engine does not start within about 10 seconds, turn off the ignition and wait at least 1 minute; then try again.
Before removing the jumper cables
(1) Switch off the headlights (if they are on).
(2) In the vehicle with the dead battery, switch on the heater fan and the rear window defroster. This helps to minimize voltage spikes when the cables are disconnected.
Removing the jumper cables
With the engine running, remove the jumper cables in reverse order to the way they were connected.
(1) Disconnect the black (-) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
(2) Disconnect the black (-) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).
(3) Disconnect the red (+) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).
(4) Disconnect the red (+) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
(5) Close the battery cover or snap shut the cap on the positive jump-start terminal9, as the case may be.

WARNING
Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of battery explosion:
x All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety
precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system ⇒ page 299, Vehicle battery.
x Always wear proper eye protection. Never lean over the vehicle battery.
x Attach the jumper cables in the correct order: first the positive cable, then the negative cable.
x Never connect the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to parts of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines.
x Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch.
x Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal parts of the vehicle.
x Check the battery acid level indicator window on the vehicle battery. Use a flashlight, never a match, cigarette lighter, or other open flame. If you cannot see the color of the window clearly, or if it is light yellow or colorless, do not jump-start the vehicle. Get expert assistance.
x Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. Sparks may cause the hydrogen gas escaping from the vehicle battery to ignite.
x Never jump-start a vehicle with a battery that is damaged or frozen or that was frozen and has thawed. The battery can explode. Replace the battery instead.
x Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer.
x Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance has the same voltage as the dead battery (12 V) and about the same capacity (see battery label).
x Batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas. Always keep fire, sparks, open flame and smoking materials away from batteries.
x Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery. The hydrogen gas from the battery is explosive.
x Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals with each other.

Towing manual transmission vehicles
x Release the parking brake.
x Shift the transmission into Neutral (N).
x If possible, have the vehicle towed with the front wheels off the ground.
x If necessary, the vehicle can also be towed with the rear wheels off the ground ⇒ .
Towing automatic transmission vehicles
x Release the parking brake.
x Shift the transmission into Neutral (N).
x Tow the vehicle only with its front wheels off the ground ⇒ .
When not to tow your vehicle
If there is little or no oil in the transmission because of damage to your vehicle, it must be moved with the drive wheels off the ground. The vehicle can only be towed if its ignition is switched on and its electrical system is operating. In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed at all and must be transported on a flatbed truck or trailer:
x If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
x If the vehicle battery is dead (because the electronic steering column lock engages and cannot be released).
x If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).
WARNING
It is not safe for children or other persons to ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
x Never let children or anyone else remain in the vehicle while it is being towed.
NOTICE
The drive axle rotates while the vehicle is being towed with its rear wheels off the ground. This can damage the automatic transmission.
x Never tow automatic transmission vehicle with the rear wheels off the ground.
x Tow manual transmission vehicles with the rear wheels off the ground only if it is certain that no transmission fluid can leak out.
heed the information and WARNINGS in the owner's manual of the vehicle being towed.