Can You Jump-start a Hybrid Car?

Getting in your hybrid and finding it won’t start is frustrating.

However, with some jumper cables and a working vehicle, You can easily jump-start your hybrid car.

Jump-starting a hybrid car is similar to jump-starting a gasoline-powered vehicle.

Step 1

Turn off both cars. Be sure to turn off anything that runs on electricity as well such as the radio, GPS and air conditioning.

The surge of power could damage these devices.

Step 2

Pull the hood release lever on both cars. Be sure to prop open each hood with the latch under the hood to ensure they stay up while you are working.

Step 3

Connect one end of the jumper cables to the positive terminal on the hybrid vehicle.

Clamp the other end of the same coloured cable to the positive terminal of the working car.

Step 4

Clamp the end of the other jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working car.

On a Prius, connect the remaining end on an unpainted metal strip on the car. For a Honda, there is a grounding strap, generally located toward the front of the engine compartment.

Check the owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to locate the strap.

Step 5

Start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.

Now start your hybrid car.

Remove the cables, carefully, in the opposite order you connected them.

Tip

• Make sure the ends of the jumper cables do not touch until everything has been disconnected.

Items you will need

• Jumper cables
• Owner’s manual
• Running vehicle