How to How to Jump Start a Car
A dead battery can strand you anywhere. Learn the correct procedure to safely jump start a car with jumper cables or a portable jump starter.
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0 of 6 steps completedStep-by-Step Instructions
1 Step 1: Position Vehicles and Prepare
Mike Johnson: "Pro tip: Make sure to double-check this before moving to the next step..."
Step 1: Position Vehicles and Prepare
Park vehicles close enough for cables to reach (3-6 feet) but not touching. Both in Park/Neutral with parking brakes on. Turn off both engines and all electronics. Locate batteries - may be under hood, trunk, or under seat.
Heavy-Duty Jumper Cables 20ft
4-gauge cables reach between any vehicles, high quality copper
Portable Jump Starter
No helper car needed, also charges phones, includes LED light
2 Step 2: Connect Cables in Correct Order
Mike Johnson: "Pro tip: Make sure to double-check this before moving to the next step..."
Step 2: Connect Cables in Correct Order
CRITICAL: Wrong order can cause sparks, battery explosion. 1) Red to dead battery POSITIVE (+). 2) Red to good battery POSITIVE (+). 3) Black to good battery NEGATIVE (-). 4) Black to unpainted metal on dead car engine block (NOT battery).
3 Step 3: Start Good Car and Wait
Mike Johnson: "Pro tip: Make sure to double-check this before moving to the next step..."
Step 3: Start Good Car and Wait
Start good car, let run for 2-3 minutes. This charges dead battery slightly. Rev good car engine to 2000 RPM (gentle acceleration). Dead battery absorbs charge.
4 Step 4: Try Starting Dead Car
Step 4: Try Starting Dead Car
Try starting dead car. If it doesn't start: wait 5 more minutes with good car running. Try again. If still won't start after 3 attempts: battery may be completely dead or you have bigger electrical problem.
5 Step 5: Disconnect Cables Safely
Step 5: Disconnect Cables Safely
With both cars running: Remove cables in REVERSE order. 1) Black from engine block. 2) Black from good battery. 3) Red from good battery. 4) Red from jumped battery. Don't let clamps touch each other.
6 Step 6: Keep Engine Running
Step 6: Keep Engine Running
Don't shut off jumped car for at least 15-30 minutes. Drive around to recharge battery. If car dies immediately when disconnecting cables: alternator may not be charging. Need professional diagnosis.