Safe to jump start?

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Sat 9 Nov 2002 20:16
Safe to jump start? - Carl2
Yesterday I was asked to jump start a motorcycle from my Escort.
This made me wonder if it is safe to jump start a modern car or not. I accept the risks from a possible spike but are there any other dangers I should be aware of.
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Sat 9 Nov 2002 21:43
Safe to jump start? - wemyss
I personally wouldn't be so keen to do this now Carl after reading so many warnings of possible ECU damage by Andrew Moorey and other knowledgeable people on this site.
When you read of possible damage by little things such as mobile phones and using the cigar lighter to charge things up with I would only do it as a last resort.
Now in the wifes old car no problems at all with no fancy gizmos to worry about.
Although you are supposed to secure the earth lead from the donor car as far away as possible from the battery to avoid possible explosions from any gases.
alvin
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