Proton has decided to reissue the statement ‘Emergency Jump-Start: When In Doubt, Refer to Proton Owner’s Manual’ made on 9 June 2016 on the alleged image that once again circulating on social media, indicating not jump-starting certain Proton models as it will cause irreparable damages to the Transmission Control Unit (TCU).
The company wishes to reiterate that all cars can be jump-started.
However, like other OEMs, Proton cars have been equipped with electronic systems which are sensitive to power surge. The company will provide a more accurate guide on this subject and assure owners that it is safe to use jumper cables to start the engine as long as proper steps are followed, as stated in the owner’s manual.
In view of this, PRroton would like to clarify that the right procedure to jump-start the car would be to connect the (+) battery from the assisting car to the (+) terminal of the battery of the affected car. However, the (-) terminal from the assisting car must be connected to the body of the affected car, NOT to its (-) terminal. When in doubt, please always refer to the owner’s manual.
The steps to be taken as stated in the Manual when using jumper cables connected to a battery from another vehicle, include:
- Vehicles should be close enough so that the jumper cables can be connected, but be sure that the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause an undesirable ground connection. It will not be possible to start the vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the TCU.
- The assisting vehicle must have a 12-volt battery and the capacity (Ah) of the booster battery should not be significantly lower than that of the discharged battery, this is to avoid damage of circuit shorting both vehicles.
- Only use jumper cables with insulated battery clamps.
- Vehicle must be positioned in “P” (PARK) for automatic transmission and “N” (NEUTRAL) for manual transmission.
- Turn off the ignition on both vehicles beforehand.
- When connecting the booster cable, do not connect the positive (+) cable to the negative (-) terminal or it can cause sparks and battery can explode.
- The negative jumper cable (black) must never be clamped to fuel lines with metal sheath or to the fuel filter or brake lines as this could cause a fire.
- Start the engine in the vehicle, which has the booster battery, let the engine idle for a few minutes and then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
- After the engine is started, disconnect the cables in reverse order.
For a more detailed guide, owners are advised to refer to their vehicle owner’s manual prior to performing any emergency start to the battery. Proton has always ensured its cars are built to the highest safety standards and will not compromise customers’ safety.
For further inspection and battery replacement, call Proton’s Customer Care Hotline 1800 888 398 or email to [email protected] for any enquiries and assistance.
