Jump starting using another battery

If the vehicle won't start, it could be because the 12 V battery is discharged. The battery can then be recharged using electrical current from another vehicle's battery or an external charger.

Under normal conditions, the 12 V battery is charged when the vehicle is charged, and through electrical current transfer directly from the high-voltage battery when the vehicle is not plugged in for charging.

If the 12 V battery becomes discharged for any reason, it can be jump-started. There are several reasons why a battery may become discharged, such as the vehicle not being used for a long period of time, a temporary malfunction or a blown fuse in the vehicle's charging circuit. A discharged 12 V battery needs to be recharged to a level high enough that it can start the vehicle's electrical system. After startup, it is possible to start charging of the vehicle using a charging cable, which is necessary when the high-voltage battery is also discharged. If the vehicle is out of range for charging, it must be towed.

To jump start the vehicle, you will need to connect jumper cables to the charging points on the 12 V battery.

 Important

The charging points of the vehicle are only intended for jump-starting the vehicle in question. The charging points are not intended for jump-starting another vehicle. Using the charging points to start another vehicle could cause a fuse to blow, which would cause the charging points to stop working.

If the message 12 V battery fuse failure Service required is displayed in the instrument panel, a fuse has blown and needs to be replaced. Volvo recommends contacting an authorized Volvo workshop.

P6-2037-XC40BEV-starter cable fixation points
A number of the panels around the storage compartment need to be removed to access the charging points under the hood.

To avoid short circuits or other damage, the following steps are recommended when jump starting the battery using another battery:

Put the vehicle's electrical system in Passive usage mode.
Make sure that the assisting battery (the battery used to jump-start the discharged battery) has a voltage of 12 V.
If the battery is in another vehicle, turn off that vehicle's engine and make sure that the vehicles are not touching each other.
Clamp the red jumper cable onto the assisting battery's positive (+) terminal (1).

 Important

Use caution when connecting the jumper cables. A short circuit can occur if the ends come in contact with any other surface than the charging points.
Fold back the cover over your vehicle's positive (+) charging point (2) by pressing in the side of the cover to release the catch while lifting the cover upwards. There are two connecting points under the cover. Use the one closest to the center of the vehicle.
Clamp the other end of the red jumper cable to your vehicle's positive (+) charging point (2).
Clamp the black jumper cable onto the assisting battery's minus (-) terminal (3).
Clamp the other end of the black jumper cable to your vehicle's negative (+) charging point (4).
Make sure the jumper cables are securely attached to help prevent sparks while jump starting.
Start the engine of the assisting vehicle.
Start the vehicle with the discharged battery by depressing the brake pedal and selecting gear position D or R.

 Important

Do not touch the connections between the cable and the vehicle during the start attempt. Risk of sparking.

 Note

Full startup is indicated by the indicator lights on the instrument panel going out and its preselected theme illuminating.
If the high-voltage battery is also discharged, begin charging of the vehicle using the charging cable.

Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order ‒ first the black cables and then the red cables.

Make sure that none of the clamps of the black jumper cables come into contact with the vehicle's positive (+) charging point, the assisting battery's positive (+) terminal or the red jumper cable's clamps.

 Note

A discharged 12 V battery must be charged until it reaches a charge level high enough to power the vehicle's electrical system. At an ambient temperature of about +15 °C (about 60 °F), the battery must be charged by the vehicle for at least 30 minutes. At lower ambient temperatures, the charging time can increase to 3-4 hours. If possible, the battery should be charged using an external battery charger.

 Warning

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

 Warning

  • The 12 V battery can generate oxyhydrogen gas, which is very explosive. A spark caused by an incorrectly connected jumper cable could be enough to make the battery explode.
  • The 12 V battery contains sulfuric acid, which could cause serious burn injuries.
  • If contact with eyes, skin or clothing occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
  • Never smoke near the battery.