Search Tutorials
Flag as InappropriateHow to Jump Start a Car
If either your or the other vehicle has an electronic ignition system, consult your owner's manual. A jump start may damage the ignition system.
Ensure that both vehicles' batteries have the same voltage.
Do not cross the wires( put negative to positive or vice-versa ).
If the battery is cracked or leaking, Do not attempt a jump start.
Make sure the cars are not touching.
- Jumper Cables
- A car with a working battery
Sometimes when a car won't start, the battery may not have enough power. It may be possible to use the battery of another car to get your car started.
Steps
- 1. Park the working car next to the dead one
- 2. Open both hoods and locate the batteries
- 3. Attach Jumper Cables to the Positive Terminal in the Dead Car
- 4. Attach Positive Clip to Positive Terminal of the Live Battery
- 5. Attach Negative Clip to Negative Terminal of the Live Battery
- 6. Attach Negative Clip to the Body of the dead car
- 7. Check the Cables
- 8. Start the Cars
- 9. Remove the Cables
- 10. Thank the other person and drive for a couple minutes
Step 1: Park the working car next to the dead one
Pull the car with the working batter close to the one with the dead battery. You may want to check where the batteries are located and align the cars accordingly. Make sure the cars are not touching.
Step 2: Open both hoods and locate the batteries
Open both hoods and locate the batteries. If there is corrosion on the terminals, you should clean them off. Find the positive(+) and negative(-) terminals on each battery.
Step 3: Attach Jumper Cables to the Positive Terminal in the Dead Car
Take your jumper cables and find the positive and negative clips. Positive is usually red, but it helps to be sure. Attach the positive clip to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
Step 4: Attach Positive Clip to Positive Terminal of the Live Battery
Attach the positive clip to the positive terminal of the live battery.
Step 5: Attach Negative Clip to Negative Terminal of the Live Battery
Attach the negative clip to the negative terminal of the live battery.
Step 6: Attach Negative Clip to the Body of the dead car
Attach the negative clip to an unpainted, non-moving, metal part of the dead car such as the engine block. The clip should be placed as far away from the battery as possible. Do not attach the negative clip to the negative terminal.
Step 7: Check the Cables
Check the cables to make sure they are not in the way of any moving parts.
Step 8: Start the Cars
Start the working car first, and let it run for a couple minutes. Then, try an start the dead car.
If the dead car does not start, it probably needs service.
If the dead car starts, leave both engines on for a couple minutes.
Step 9: Remove the Cables
Remove the cables in the reverse order they were put on. Remove in this order:
1) Negative clip on dead car
2) Negative clip on live battery
3) Positive clip on live battery
4) Positive clip on dead battery
Step 10: Thank the other person and drive for a couple minutes
Thank the person kind enough to give you a jump. Once your car is running, it is a good idea to drive it around for a little while. This will recharge the battery(assuming everything else is fine).
If you battery keeps going dead, you may need a new one, or have a problem with your alternator.
This tutorial was last edited on August 2nd, 2011 at 7:29 AM
Category: Roadside Help