Jump Start a Car

Tools

• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• Safety glasses

Safety

• Read both vehicles’ owner manuals first, especially for battery location, jump points, and any restrictions.
• Only jump-start compatible 12V systems unless the manufacturer specifically allows otherwise.
• Do not attempt this if the battery is cracked, leaking, swollen, badly corroded, or frozen.
• Keep flames, cigarettes, and sparks away from the battery area.
• Turn both vehicles off, set parking brakes, and put transmissions in Park or Neutral.
• Remove keys or keep key fobs away from the ignition area before connecting cables.
• Connect cables in the correct order: positive to dead battery, positive to donor battery, negative to donor battery, then negative to an unpainted metal ground on the disabled vehicle.
• Do not connect the final negative clamp directly to the dead battery unless the manual specifically instructs it.
• Keep clamps from touching each other, and keep cables clear of fans, belts, and other moving parts.
• Wear eye protection and avoid leaning directly over the battery.
• If either vehicle is hybrid, electric, or has a start-stop system, follow the manual exactly or use professional roadside service.
• If the car does not start after a few attempts, stop and call a professional.

Steps

1. Step 1: Prepare both vehicles

   • Park the donor vehicle close enough for the cables to reach, but make sure the vehicles do not touch.
   • Turn off both vehicles.
   • Set both parking brakes and place each transmission in Park or Neutral.
   • Open the hoods and locate the batteries or designated jump-start terminals.
   • Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both vehicles.

   Check: Both vehicles are off and secured. · You can clearly identify positive and negative terminals or designated jump points. · The battery is not cracked, leaking, swollen, frozen, or otherwise damaged.

2. Step 2: Connect the positive cable

   • Take the red positive jumper cable clamp and connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
   • Connect the other red positive clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the donor battery.

   Check: Both red clamps are firmly attached to positive terminals. · The clamps are not loose and are not touching any metal other than the intended terminals.

3. Step 3: Connect the negative cable

   • Connect the black negative clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the donor battery.
   • Connect the remaining black clamp to a clean, unpainted metal ground point on the disabled vehicle, away from the battery if possible.

   Check: The final black clamp is attached to a solid metal ground on the disabled vehicle. · No clamps are touching each other. · The cables are routed away from belts, fans, and other moving parts.

4. Step 4: Start the donor vehicle and wait briefly

   • Start the donor vehicle.
   • Let it run for 2 to 5 minutes to send some charge to the dead battery.

   Check: The donor vehicle is running smoothly. · The cables remain secure and clear of moving parts.

5. Step 5: Try to start the disabled vehicle

   • Attempt to start the disabled vehicle.
   • If it does not start, wait another few minutes and try again.
   • Do not crank for long periods; use short attempts.

   Check: The disabled vehicle starts, or you stop after a few reasonable attempts. · There is no smoke, strong burning smell, or sparking beyond a small initial connection spark.

6. Step 6: Disconnect the cables in reverse order

   • Once the disabled vehicle starts, remove the black clamp from the grounded metal point on the disabled vehicle.
   • Remove the black clamp from the donor battery negative terminal.
   • Remove the red clamp from the donor battery positive terminal.
   • Remove the red clamp from the revived vehicle positive terminal.

   Check: The clamps are removed in reverse order. · The clamps do not touch each other during removal. · Both vehicles remain clear of loose cables.

7. Step 7: Let the revived vehicle run

   • Keep the revived vehicle running for at least 15 to 30 minutes, or drive it if safe to do so, to help recharge the battery.
   • If the battery dies again soon after, have the battery and charging system tested.

   Check: The vehicle continues running after cable removal. · Warning lights, dim lights, or repeated no-start symptoms are noted for follow-up.