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The Correct Way
to Jump-Start a Car
If you attach the cables incorrectly, or in the wrong order, you could ruin something, including yourself.
Pull the two cars next to each other so that the batteries are close enough together for the jumper cables to reach. Do not allow the cars to touch.
Shut off both cars. Make sure to turn off all accessories, such as lights, radios, and air conditioning. Remove all electrical devices, such as cell phones, from the car.
Open the hoods of both cars. Make sure none of the cable clamps touch each other. The cables should not dangle into either car’s engine well, where they could get caught in moving parts.
Connect the cables in the following order:
- Step A - Red Dead
Connect one end of the positive (red) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the battery of the dead car.
- Step B - Red Live
Connect the other end of the positive (red) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the battery of the car that’s working (the booster car).
- Step C - Black Live
Connect one end of the negative (black) cable to the negative (–) terminal on the booster battery.
- Step D - Black Dead
Connect the other end of the negative (black) cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface (such as the engine block) on the engine of the disabled vehicle. Try to find a spot on the engine far from the battery, as this connection might cause some sparks.
Check once more that the booster cables are not near any moving parts.
Start the booster car. Let it idle for 3–5 minutes.
Try to start the car with the dead battery. If it won’t start, wait five minutes and try again. If it still won’t start, check to see if there are other problems, such as a lack of fuel. Do not keep trying to start the dead car, as you might cause additional damage.
Once the dead car does start, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order in which you attached them. Do not let the cables fall into the engine or allow any part of the cables to touch.
Keep the newly jump-started car running for at least 30 minutes to make sure the battery recharges fully. It may also be a good idea to take the car to a service station to get the battery thoroughly checked or replaced.
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