Jump starting using another battery

Updated 2021-10-15

If the vehicle's start battery(12 V) is discharged, current from another battery can be used to start the vehicle's electrical system.

If the 12 V battery (start battery) is discharged, the vehicle's electrical system can be jump-started from another vehicle's battery using jumper cables. If the hybrid battery is also discharged, it must be charged using the charging cable after the electrical system is started so that the engine can be started.

P5-1519-XC90H-Jump starting — Jumper cable charging points. Engine compartment appearance may vary depending on vehicle model and equipment level.

Important

The charging points of the vehicle are only intended for jump-starting the vehicle in question. Do not use them to start other vehicles – the charging circuit's fuse could be overloaded and stop working.

If a fuse has become overloaded, 12 V battery fuse failure Service required will be displayed in the instrument panel. Volvo recommends contacting an authorized Volvo workshop.

To avoid short circuits or other damage, the following steps are recommended when jump starting the battery:

Put the ignition in mode 0.

Make sure that the assisting battery has a voltage of 12 V.

If the battery is in another vehicle, turn off that vehicle's engine and make sure that the vehicles are not touching each other.

Clamp one end of the red jumper cable to the assisting battery's positive terminal (1).

Important

Connect the jumper cable carefully to prevent short circuit and contact with other components in the engine compartment.

Fold back the cover over your vehicle's positive charging point (2).

Clamp the other end of the red jumper cable to your vehicle's positive charging point (2).

Clamp one end of the black jumper cable to the assisting battery's negative terminal (3).

Clamp the other end of the black jumper cable to your vehicle's negative charging point (4).

Make sure the jumper cables are securely attached to help prevent sparks while jump starting.

Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and let it run for a few minutes at a higher idling speed than normal, about 1500 rpm.

Start your vehicle's engine. If the engine does not start, allow an additional 10 minutes of charging time and then try to start the engine again.

Note

When the engine is started under normal conditions, the vehicle's electrical drive motor is prioritized – the gasoline engine remains off. This means that after the start knob has been turned clockwise, the electric motor has "started" and the vehicle is ready to be driven. Start of the electric motor is indicated by the indicator lights on the instrument panel going out and its preselected theme illuminating.

Important

Do not touch the connections between the cable and the vehicle during the start attempt. Risk of sparking.

Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order ‒ first the black cables and then the red cables.

Make sure that none of the clamps of the black jumper cables come into contact with the vehicle's positive charging point, the assisting vehicle's battery's positive terminal, or either of the red jumper cable's connected clamps.

Warning

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Warning

Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces.
If contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark. Do not smoke near the battery. Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to injury.

Note

The vehicle cannot be started if the hybrid battery is discharged.