Pontiac 2009 Vibe - Manual (Page 244)

4. Open the hoods and locate the
batteries. Find the positive (+)
and negative (
− ) terminal
locations on each vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6 for more information
on location.
{ CAUTION
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.
{ CAUTION
Using a match 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.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
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 don’t, 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.
{ CAUTION
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables
do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles could
be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will go
to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one. Negative (
− ) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine
part or to a remote negative (
− )
terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (
−
) or you will get a short
that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And
do not connect the negative (
− )
cable to the negative ( − ) terminal
on the dead battery because this
can cause sparks.
9-72 Vehicle Service and Care
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual