Audi A4: Jump starting

Preparation

You should only perform the steps that follow if you have the necessary tools and technical expertise.

If the engine does not start because the vehicle battery is drained, you can jump start your vehicle using another vehicle. Jump start cables are needed to do this.

Both vehicle batteries must have 12 V nominal voltage. The voltage capacity (Ah) of the vehicle battery that is giving power must not be less than the capacity of the drained vehicle battery.

Jump start cable

Only use a jump start cable with a large enough diameter. Note the manufacturer's specifications.

Only use a jump start cable with insulated terminal clamps.

Positive cable - usually red.

Negative cable - usually black.

WARNING

• A drained battery can freeze at temperatures around 32 ºF (0 ºC). If the vehicle battery is frozen, it must be thawed before connecting the jump start cables. If it is not, the risk of an explosion and chemical burns increases.

  After jump starting the vehicle, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the vehicle battery checked.

• Read the warnings when working in the engine compartment.
• Handling the jump start cables incorrectly may cause the vehicle battery to explode and lead to serious injuries.

Note

Jump start cables can cause considerable damage to the vehicle electrical system if they are connected incorrectly.

Tips

• There must be no contact between the vehicles, or else voltage could flow when connecting the positive terminal and drain the vehicle battery of the vehicle providing the jump start.
• The drained vehicle battery must be connected correctly to the electrical system.
• Switch off electrical equipment that is not needed.

Jump starting

Both jump start cables must be connected in the correct order.

Fig. 178 Engine compartment: connectors for jump start cables or a charger

Fig. 179 Engine compartment: connectors for jump start cables or a charger

The jump start cable connections are located in the engine compartment.

Follow the information about the vehicle battery.

Connecting the positive cable (red) to the positive terminal

• Open the cover on the positive terminal > fig. 178.

1. Attach one end of the positive cable (red) to the jump-start pin (1) > fig. 179 on your vehicle.
2.  Attach the other end of the positive cable (red) to the positive terminal (2) on the power source.

Connecting the negative cable (black) to the negative terminal

3. Attach one end of the negative cable (black) to the negative terminal (3) on the power source.
4. Attach the other end of the negative cable (black) to the jump-start pin (4) on the vehicle.

Starting the engine

• Start the engine in the vehicle giving the charge and let it run at idle.
• Now start the engine in your vehicle, which has the drained battery.
• If the engine does not start, stop the starting procedure after 10 seconds and then repeat it after approximately 30 seconds.
• Turn on the rear window defogger in your vehicle in order to reduce any voltage peaks that may occur when disconnecting the jump start cables. The headlights must be switched off.
• With the engines running, remove the cables in reverse order of the way they were installed.
• Close the cover on the positive terminal.

WARNING

• Never connect the jump start cable directly to your vehicle battery. Only use the connections in the engine compartment.
• Do not touch the non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps. The cable must also not come into contact with vehicle components that conduct electricity when it is connected to the positive vehicle battery terminal. This can cause a short circuit.
• The plugs on the battery cells must not be opened.
• Keep ignition sources (such as open flames, etc.) away from the vehicle batteries to reduce the risk of an explosion.
• Route the jump start cables so they cannot get caught in the moving parts in the other vehicle's engine compartment.

Note

Please note that the connecting process previously described for the jump start cables is intended for when your vehicle is being jump started.

Tips

Make sure that the connected jump start cables have sufficient contact with metal.

READ NEXT: