How to jump start a hybrid Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia or Honda, by Steve Clifford on YouTube. 5 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Park the donor car close enough for the leads to reach, on level ground. Switch off both cars, select park and set the handbrake.
Open the bonnet and find the 12 volt battery or the dedicated jump start terminal. On many Toyota and Lexus hybrids it sits inside the fuse box under the bonnet.
Look over the battery for cracks, leaks or white crust. Do not jump a battery that looks damaged or has been frozen.
Clamp one red lead to the positive post of the flat battery, or to the jump terminal marked with a plus.
Clamp the other red lead to the positive post of the good battery.
Clamp a black lead to the negative post of the good battery. Clamp the last black lead to bare metal on the dead car, such as an engine bracket, away from the battery.
Start the donor car and let it idle for two to three minutes so the flat battery picks up some charge.
Press the brake pedal and the start button on the hybrid. It should power up as normal. If it does not, wait another minute and try again.
With the hybrid running, remove the leads in reverse order: black from the car, black from the donor, then both reds.
Drive for at least 20 to 30 minutes, or connect a charger, so the battery holds its charge next time.
Tips and common mistakes
Never touch the orange high voltage cables. You are only boosting the small 12 volt battery.
Do not clamp the final black lead to the dead battery's negative post, because the spark can ignite gas around the battery.
Some makers advise against using a hybrid as the donor car, so check your handbook first.
If the car goes flat again within a day or two, the 12 volt battery probably needs replacing.
Questions
Can I jump start a hybrid from a normal petrol or diesel car?
Yes. The 12 volt system works like any other car, so a standard car can donate power. Connect to the 12 volt battery or jump terminal only, never to the high voltage system.
Why won't my hybrid start when the big battery is charged?
The car's computers, lights and door locks run off the small 12 volt battery. When that one goes flat the car will not power up, even with a full hybrid battery.
Do I need a special jump pack for a hybrid?
No. A standard 12 volt jump starter works if it is rated for the engine size. Connect it the same way as jumper leads: red to positive, black to ground.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
