Brown’s Alignment, Brake, and Auto Repair Blog

Safety First: Before attempting to jump start your car, ensure both vehicles are in a safe location away from traffic. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles, engage the parking brakes, and put them in neutral or park.

Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a set of jumper cables and a functional vehicle with a charged battery. Make sure the jumper cables are in good condition without any exposed wires.

Identify the Positive and Negative Terminals: Open the hoods of both vehicles and identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery. The positive terminal is usually marked with a red cap or symbol. If the positive terminal has a cap, you’ll need to move it out of the way.

Connect the Jumper Cables: 

1. Connect one red (positive) clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.

2. Attach the other red (positive) clamp to the positive terminal of the working battery.

3. Connect one black (negative) clamp to the negative terminal of the working battery.

4. Finally, attach the remaining black (negative) clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery. It should only be connected to a ground bolt. Try to avoid connecting the jumper cable to the negative terminal itself as this can cause sparks which can lead to an engine fire. This is rare, but it can happen. If you are unsure of a safe place to connect the negative jumper cable clamp, consult your vehicle owner’s manual or enlist the help of a professional.

Make sure that the cables are connected correctly before attempting to start the dead vehicle. Jump starting a battery incorrectly can cause damage to your car’s electrical system, turning a minor inconvenience into an expensive repair. Also, DO NOT let the jumper cable clamps touch during this process.

Start the Working Vehicle: Start the vehicle with the charged battery and let it run for a few minutes. This allows the dead battery to receive some charge.

Attempt to Start the Dead Vehicle: After letting the working vehicle run, try starting the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start, wait a few more minutes and try again.

Remove the Jumper Cables: Once the dead vehicle starts, carefully remove the jumper cables in reverse order:

1. Remove the black clamp from the previously dead vehicle’s metal surface.

2. Take off the black clamp from the negative terminal of the working battery.

3. Disconnect the red clamp from the positive terminal of the working battery.

4. Finally, detach the red clamp from the positive terminal of the previously dead battery.

Drive the Vehicle: Drive the jump-started vehicle for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

Can I jump start a car by myself?

While you can certainly jump start a car by yourself, it’s safer and more effective with a helper. If you must do it alone, ensure you can easily access both batteries and follow safety precautions.

Can I use a portable jump starter instead of another vehicle?

Yes, portable jump starters are a convenient alternative. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage and connection.

What happens if I connect the jumper cables incorrectly?

Connecting jumper cables incorrectly can result in damage to the electrical systems of both vehicles. Always double-check the positive and negative terminals, following the correct order mentioned in the guide.

How long should I let the working vehicle run before attempting to start the dead vehicle?

It’s recommended to let the working vehicle run for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) before attempting to start the dead vehicle. This allows the dead battery to receive some charge.

How often should I jump start my car?

Jump starting should only be done in emergency situations. Regularly jump starting your car is not a solution for a failing battery. If your battery requires frequent jumps, it may be time for a replacement.

Is it safe to jump start a car in the rain?

While it’s not ideal, jump starting a car in the rain is generally safe as long as you follow safety precautions. Be cautious and avoid water contact with the electrical components if at all possible.

What if my car still doesn’t start after jump starting?

If your car doesn’t start after jump starting, there may be other issues with the battery or the vehicle’s electrical system. Consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and assistance.