1Position the Vehicles
Park the working car close to the dead car but not touching. Both cars should be off with keys removed.
2Connect in Order
Order matters to prevent sparks and damage.
- 1. Red clamp to dead battery positive (+)
- 2. Other red clamp to good battery positive (+)
- 3. Black clamp to good battery negative (-)
- 4. Other black clamp to unpainted metal on dead car (NOT the battery)
Pro Tip: Connect the last black clamp away from the battery to avoid sparks near hydrogen gas.
3Start the Cars
Start the working car and let it run for 2-3 minutes. Then try starting the dead car. If it doesn't start, wait longer or check connections.
4Disconnect in Reverse
Remove cables in reverse order. Drive the jumped car for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery.
Key Takeaways
- 1Connect positive first, then negative
- 2Ground the last cable away from the battery
- 3Let the dead car run to recharge
- 4If it happens often, replace the battery
Need personalized help?
Connect with a certified mechanic who can answer questions specific to your vehicle.
Ask a Mechanic