1. 🔌 What is the Kap'SAM XCAP-500?
The Kap'SAM XCAP-500 is a vehicle starting device designed to help start vehicles with a discharged battery.
It is equipped with clamps to connect to the vehicle's battery terminals and provides the necessary power to start the engine.
2. ⚠️ Where can I find the safety information?
The safety information is located in the "Usage Precautions" section of the manual.
It includes warnings about proper use, explosion risks, and precautions to take around children.
3. 🌡️ What are the operating conditions of the Kap'SAM?
The Kap'SAM must be used:
in a temperature range between -20°C and +40°C
up to 70% humidity
indoors or without exposure to rain
👉 The device must be used in an upright position, with the handle facing up.
4. 🛠️ Can I open the Kap'SAM to repair or replace components?
No.
Opening the product and replacing components is prohibited, except for the power fuse.
❌ Any modification attempt may damage the device and void the warranty.
5. 🔋 Use – How to connect the Kap'SAM clamps to the vehicle?
Connect the red clamp (positive terminal) to the battery terminal not connected to the chassis.
🔴 This is usually the “+” terminal.
Connect the black clamp (negative terminal) to a metallic part of the chassis or the negative terminal at a distance.
⚫ This ensures a safe ground connection.
✅ The Kap'SAM is now ready to start the vehicle.
6. 🚗 What should I do if the Kap'SAM doesn't start the vehicle?
If the Kap'SAM doesn't start the vehicle:
check the clamp connections to ensure they are properly connected
if the issue persists, there may be another failure unrelated to the battery
➡️ Consult a professional to diagnose the actual cause
7. ⏱️ How long can the Kap'SAM operate per cycle?
The maximum operating time of the Kap'SAM is 30 seconds per cycle.
❌ Do not exceed this duration to avoid damaging the device.
8. 🟢 What should I do if the power-on indicator is lit?
Never disconnect the clamps of the Kap'SAM when the power-on indicator is lit.
➡️ Wait for the device to shut down automatically or press the ON button to stop it manually.
9. 🔍 Charge status test – How to test the Kap'SAM?
To test the charge status of the Kap'SAM:
Press the Test button
The charge indicator will light up temporarily, then the status will be displayed
ℹ️ If nothing displays, the Kap'SAM is completely discharged and must be recharged.
10. 💡 What do the indicators mean?
🟢 Green: Fully charged
🟠 Orange: Partially charged, recharge recommended
🔴 Red: Discharged, recharge required
11. 🔄 Charging the Kap'SAM – How to recharge the Kap'SAM?
The Kap'SAM recharges automatically when connected to a running vehicle with a 12V battery.
While starting, it restarts the vehicle and recharges itself simultaneously via the charging circuit.
12. 🔗 Can I recharge it with another vehicle?
Yes.
If the Kap'SAM is discharged before use, you can recharge it in a few seconds by connecting its clamps to any nearby vehicle with a 12V battery and a running engine.
13. 🚨 What should I do if all 3 indicators are flashing?
If all three indicators flash, it means the Kap'SAM is connected to a voltage that is too high (e.g., 24 volts).
⚠️ Disconnect immediately to avoid damage.
14. ❌ No indicator lights up?
This means the battery is in deep discharge.
➡️ Follow the forced start procedure described in the manual.
15. 🛡️ What is the Kap'SAM warranty duration?
The warranty covers any manufacturing defect or flaw for 5 years or 10,000 uses from the date of purchase (parts and labor).
16. ❗ What does the warranty cover?
The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, voltage errors, loss, theft, or damage resulting from improper use, disassembly, or any damage during transport.
Any addition or replacement of parts or accessories not manufactured by SAM Outillage voids the warranty.
17. 📦 What should I do in case of failure?
In the event of a malfunction, return the device to SAM Outillage’s Technical Assistance Service.
➡️ Contact details are provided in the manual: 04 77 92 13 00 or by email at reclamation@sam.eu
18. 🔋 My Kap'SAM discharges on its own?
This indicates a potential issue related to:
the electronic board
the supercapacitor
or the balancing board
👉 Return to after-sales service is mandatory.
19. 💡 Indicators flashing after recharge: is it normal?
Yes, this simply means the charging voltage is slightly above 14 volts. No concern: your alternator is working properly.
20. The Kap'SAM does not start even though it is connected to the battery
This may indicate that the vehicle battery is too weak to be detected.
➡️ Solution: perform a forced start:
Press both the Test and On buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds
Also check the fuse condition (ref. XCAP-FUSE)
21. 🚫 One of the indicators doesn’t light up?
This may indicate a malfunction of:
the keypad
or the electronic board
👉 Return to after-sales service is mandatory.
22. 🚗 Doesn’t work on vehicle nor in forced start mode?
Possible causes:
Faulty keypad
Faulty electronic board
Faulty starter
Blown fuse
👉 In all cases, a return to after-sales service is required.
23. ⚠️ The device blinks when I press the Test button during charging
This is normal behavior if you press Test during charging, which is not recommended.
✔️ Wait for the device to shut off before using the Test button.
24. 🔧 An indicator blinks when I move the device?
This may be due to poor contact at the fuse compartment nuts.
➡️ Open the fuse cover and tighten the nuts (17 mm wrench).
If the issue persists 👉 return to after-sales service.
25. 🔴 The Test indicator is red
This means the Kap'SAM must be recharged.
🔋 Procedure:
Recharge it on a running vehicle
The indicator should turn green after each cycle
Several cycles may be necessary if the vehicle is low-charged
If recharging fails, try another vehicle
In case of deep discharge: connect the Kap'SAM, start the vehicle, then perform a forced start (press Test + On simultaneously). Repeat if needed.
26. ⚠️ No LED lights up on the Kap'SAM: what are the possible causes?
If no LED lights up, several causes may be considered. Perform the following checks:
✅ Check connections:
Ensure both Kap'SAM cables are properly connected to the vehicle battery.
🔋 Check the vehicle battery status:
If the battery is too low (voltage below 11V), the Kap'SAM may not detect it.
🔄 Check if the Kap'SAM is in deep discharge:
If so, perform a forced start:
Connect the cables
Start the vehicle
Press Test + On for 5 seconds
🔧 Check the fuse:
Open the fuse compartment and inspect whether the fuse (ref. XCAP-FUSE) is blown. Replace if needed.
👉 If the device remains inactive after all checks: contact after-sales service.
27. ✅ How do I know if my booster is charged?
Press the Test button:
Green: all good
Orange or red: recharge the Kap'SAM on a running vehicle
28. 🔋 What is the minimum voltage required to use the KAP'SAM?
The Kap'SAM can operate from approximately 7 volts.
29. 🚫 Does it work on an electric car?
❌ No, the Kap'SAM is not compatible with 100% electric vehicles.
30. 🔄 How to change the fuse?
To replace the Kap'SAM fuse, follow these steps:
Click here to access the dedicated fuse replacement procedure
Position the Kap'SAM sideways
Unscrew the fuse cover using a suitable Phillips screwdriver
Unscrew the fuse holder nuts with a 17 mm wrench
Replace the fuse (ref. XCAP-FUSE) and position it correctly
Retighten the nuts with a controlled torque of 12 ± 2 N·m
Precautions to take when replacing the fuse:
Ensure the Kap'SAM is not connected to a vehicle or power source.
Wear protective gloves and safety glasses to prevent injury.
31. 🔍 How to know if the fuse is blown?
To check if the fuse is faulty:
Open the fuse compartment on the device
Visually inspect the fuse (ref. XCAP-FUSE):
If it is broken, blackened, or the filament is damaged, it is faulty.
If in doubt, test with a multimeter in continuity mode:
If the multimeter does not beep (or no current passes), the fuse is blown.
➡️ Only replace the fuse with an identical model (ref. XCAP-FUSE).
32. ♻️ Does the Kap'SAM work with hybrid cars?
✅ Yes, the Kap'SAM is compatible with hybrid cars equipped with a 12V battery.
What matters is the battery voltage, not the engine type.
33. ⚠️ All Kap'SAM indicators flash: what should I do?
If all indicators flash simultaneously, this likely indicates a fault in the electronic board.
👉 Mandatory return to after-sales service for diagnosis and repair.
34. 🔌 No button lights up: what should I do?
This may indicate a deep discharge of the device.
➡️ Procedure:
Connect both Kap'SAM cables to the vehicle battery
Start the vehicle
Press Test + On simultaneously for 5 seconds to initiate forced start
👉 If no LED lights up afterward, check the fuse (ref. XCAP-FUSE)
35. 🚨 Forced start procedure (very weak battery)
When the vehicle battery is too low, the Kap'SAM cannot detect polarity and will not activate automatically.
Here’s how to start it manually:
🛠 Steps to follow:
⚠️ Check
If the Kap'SAM does not respond, the vehicle battery is likely in deep discharge.
🔗 Connection
Connect the Kap'SAM clamps to the vehicle battery, respecting polarity (red to +, black to –).
⚠️ Do not turn on vehicle ignition.
🔘 Manual activation
Press the ON and TEST buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
The green, orange, and red indicators will briefly flash.
✅ Confirmation
The power-on indicator lights up: the Kap'SAM is ready.
🚗 Start the vehicle
Start the broken-down vehicle.
🔌 End of operation
Once the Kap'SAM has stopped:
Disconnect the battery clamps
Roll up and store the cables in their compartment