Starting the engine from an auxiliary power source (Opel Astra G)

Using an auxiliary power source will help start the engine in an emergency, but then you should find out and eliminate the cause of the battery discharge. The most typical causes of discharge are:

• 1. Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to start the engine, or leaving the lights on for a long time with the engine off;
• 2. Malfunction of the charging system (the alternator drive belt is loose or broken, the connecting wiring is damaged, or the alternator itself is faulty).
• 3. Malfunction of the battery itself (the electrolyte level has dropped or the battery's service life has expired).

When performing engine starting from an external power source, attention should be paid to observing some special precautions:

• 1. Before connecting the auxiliary battery, make sure the ignition is off;
• 2. Make sure that all electricity consumers (lighting and heating devices, windshield wipers, etc.) were also turned off;
• 3. Put on protective gloves and glasses;
• 4. Make sure that the auxiliary battery meets its operating specifications (output voltage) matches the battery installed in your vehicle;
• 5. If a battery installed in another vehicle is used as an auxiliary power source, ensure that the vehicles NEVER come into contact with each other;
• 6. Make sure that the transmission is in neutral (manual transmission) or in position "P" (automatic transmission);
• 7. Remove the ventilation caps from the battery to be serviced and cover the openings with a rag.

Procedure for connecting an auxiliary power source

The order of connecting the connecting wires when starting the engine from an auxiliary power source (disconnecting the wires is done in reverse order), - please note that on a damaged vehicle, the negative wire is connected not to the battery terminal, but to the ground of the power unit.

1. Connect the end of the red wire from the special kit to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Connect the other end of the red wire to the positive terminal of the auxiliary battery.

2. Connect one end of the black wire from the kit to the negative terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of the black wire to a reliable ground point on the block of the engine being started (bolt or bracket), as far away from the battery as possible.

3. Make sure that the connecting wires do not come into contact with moving components in the engine compartments of both vehicles (fan impeller, drive belts, etc.).

4. Perform the standard engine starting procedure. Leave the engine idling. Turn on the headlights, rear window defroster and heater fan, then disconnect the wires in the reverse order of their connection (see above). When the procedure is complete, turn off unnecessary electrical consumers.

The inclusion of auxiliary power consumers is carried out in order to prevent voltage surges at the moment of disconnection of the electrical wiring.

[Material taken from an internet portal: opelbook.ru]