Jump Starting

[Ralph]

Perhaps you have to use the 4 batteries to power up your mobile phone so you can call the RAC?

 

[Digger Driver]

The general idea for connecting the negative of one car to the body of the other is because this would be the final connection and usually produces a spark!
When you consider that highly explosive gas comes out of car batteries this would give you an idea why you wouldn't want a spark near when connecting!
As for the jag!
I would think the guy connected the jump leads the wrong way for i have jump started every kind of vehicle you can think of 12 and 24 volt and have never herd of ECU damage before! (i could be wrong though)

The only thing i have herd on a similar matter was if you bump start cars with catalytic converters it can damage the catalytic converter which is pretty expensive!

 

[Road Runner]

Thanks for the tip Ken.

 

[eddie]

I suspect that there are two reasons that the AA suggest what they do.

One as George states is that it is idiot proof. And cross connection is probably the case of subsequent electrical faults

Two. once the positive lead is connected, connection of the negative lead onto the chassis would avoid sparks actually at the battery where you are proabably leaning over, without protective googles or have blown away any potential gasses.

Also, Jaguar should know! I agree, they really should

 

[GeorgeTelford]

Hi George

"... a battery when exploding does so with the force of a stick of Dynomite, but as I have always said the stick of dynomite doesnt hit you with lead shrapnel and sulphuric acid........."

I like that, can I pinch your saying and use it as well - very good!

Sorry Jon, I missed this post somehow, yes no problem at all, fill your boots.

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[baloothebear]

Good post!
How would you J-S a BMW M5 - the latest one with the head up display?
More to the point, would you - LOL

ps - I did eventually when I found out that it was a hire car. Pos to some red thing on top of the battery and neg to the lifting eye on the engine... worked!