Before connecting the jumper cables, ensure both vehicles are turned off with all electrical devices disconnected and open their hoods to locate their batteries.
Locate each car’s positive terminal and connect one end of a red jumper cable to it, clamping its other end against an unpainted metal surface that is away from moving engine parts.
1. Connect the Positive Cable
Assuming both cars are close enough for one set of positive clamps on jumper cables to reach both batteries, make sure that at least 18 inches exist between them in order to keep any moving engine parts from interfering with them and connect their positive terminal (+). Once completed, connect one positive clamp of jumper cables with each car’s positive terminal (+), connecting them as desired on both batteries – remembering to leave plenty of distance between cars so as to allow access for both sets of positive clamps to connect correctly.
Make sure both vehicles are off and set the parking brakes before removing their hoods, and locate the batteries (often covered with plastic). Use one red cable’s positive clamps to connect with a negative terminal on one battery before attaching its matching end onto a positive (+) post on another one – leaving this connection for several minutes will allow your good battery to charge your dead one.
2. Connect the Negative Cable
If the vehicle is newer, removing a plastic cover to access the negative terminal may be necessary to reach it. Be careful and work carefully so as not to cause sparks within the engine compartment.
Locate an unpainted bolt head under the hood of the non working car and attach the final black clamp from your jumper cables securely without touching any other metal components or the red cable as this could start a fire under its hood.
Repeat the process on the opposite side of the car with the dead battery, making sure both cars are close enough that cable connections can reach both batteries while not being so close that they touch.
3. Connect the Positive Clamp
Jumper cables (also referred to as booster cables) are used to transfer energy from a working car battery to an inactive one, via two connecting clamps: red for positive and black for negative. Connect the red clamp securely onto the positive terminal of a dead battery ensuring there is no corrosion present on it before connecting black clamp as a negative terminal.
Connect the other end of the cable to the positive terminal or jump-starting access point on the working vehicle’s battery, usually indicated with a plus sign. Before connecting the negative cable, check both vehicles to make sure their voltages match as this could damage one engine and potentially be fatal for the other one.
4. Connect the Negative Clamp
Once both cars are safely apart from one another, locate an unpainted bolt head on one engine block (any bare metal will do) and clamp a black jumper cable around it to ground out your dead battery and prevent its energy from traveling back through the electrical system of your working car. This will serve to disconnect it from sending power back through both cars’ electrical systems simultaneously.
Once the negative clamp has been securely fastened, use the other end of the black cable to connect it to the positive terminal on a working car battery. Both terminals should be marked with either a “minus” symbol or plus symbol; remembering these details will help avoid damaging both vehicles and themselves by connecting these cables properly and not touching cable clamps together as this may spark.
5. Connect the Negative Clamp to the Ground
Have you ever turned your keys in only to find that your battery was dead? Jump starting can help quickly get you back on the road quickly and easily; simply follow these steps carefully so as to attach only clasps of jumper cable at their respective points of attachment; otherwise you risk shorting out and further damaging your car’s battery.
Begin by parking both vehicles close enough together that their cables can reach across. Switch both cars off and open their hoods. Adjust each battery so its red clamp connects with its positive terminal marked with + and its black clamp to bare metal on either vehicle (such as an unpainted bolt sticking out from its body).
6. Connect the Negative Clamp to the Positive Clamp
Once you’ve connected red and black clamps to their respective terminals (usually indicated with plus and minus symbols), it is time to jump-start your dead car battery. Be careful in connecting clamps as they must not contact one another as you assemble each connection at a time; do this step-by-step until each clamp touches only its post/terminal.
First, place both vehicles closely together. Open both hoods of both vehicles and locate their batteries; secure the positive red jumper cable clamp to the dead battery’s positive terminal (often marked “POS” or “+”) before attaching its other end to an unpainted metal surface under the hood of the working car – for instance a bolt protruding from its suspension shock tower would work perfectly for this purpose.
7. Connect the Negative Clamp to an Unpainted Metal Surface
Always opt for jumper cables with their own carrying case to help keep them organized and prevent them from becoming tangled. Jumping a car with an underperforming battery is potentially hazardous if done incorrectly, posing potential sparking and fire hazards.
Park the working car near your dead one, nose to nose (or parallel). Shut off both engines and open both hoods; locate batteries and label their positive and negative terminals.
Attach the red clamp of your jumper cable set to the positive terminal of the dead battery and attach its black counterpart to an unpainted metal surface on the working car; this helps grounding and avoid sparking that could ignite flammable gas in its engine compartment.
Conclusion
Jump-starting a car with jumper cables is a straightforward process, but it requires care, attention, and the correct sequence to avoid damaging either vehicle or causing injury. If the car doesn’t start after a few attempts, the issue may be more serious than a drained battery, and it’s time to call a mechanic. With the right steps, jumper cables can save your day—just make sure you follow them safely.
