A dead battery is one of the most frequent reasons cars don’t start, but fortunately, jump-starting is typically a quick and simple way to get a car back on the road.
This guide outlines how to correctly jump start a car using both jumper cables & another vehicle. I’ll also cover how to jump start with a portable jump starter when working alone.
You will learn about the correct cable order, safety tips, common mistakes, and what to do if your vehicle still will not start after attempting to jump it.
Let’s jump start this guide!
- Always remember to connect the jumper cables in the correct order
- Never allow red & black jumper clamps to touch after being connected to a battery.
- Allow the donor vehicle to run for several minutes before attempting to start the dead vehicle.
- After successfully jump-starting the dead vehicle, drive the car for not less than 20-30 minutes in order for the car’s alternator to charge the dead battery.
- If the vehicle won’t respond after several jump start attempts, there may be a more significant problem than simply a dead battery, like a bad starter or alternator.
What Do You Need To Jump Start Your Car?
You need a few pieces of equipment that are easily available to jump start your car, such as jumper cables, a rag, a safety kit, and another vehicle.
I’ve listed them below:
- Jumper cables of high quality; 4-6 gauge works best. Avoid thin or cheap jumper cables.
- Another vehicle with a functional battery (If you are alone, use a portable jump starter).
- Safety glasses & gloves (optional)
- A rag or paper towel to clean terminals if there’s corrosion.
How to Jump Start a Car with Jumper Cables (Step-by-Step)
To jump start your car with Jumper cables, follow these steps:
1. Park both cars at a safe distance
Get the car with the good battery as close to the dead one so that you can get the jumper cables connected to both batteries.
You do not want the vehicles touching. Ensure both vehicles are in park (or neutral if a manual transmission) and that the ignition is turned off.
Turn off all lights, accessories, and engage the parking brake while the vehicles are parked.
2. Find the batteries
You will need to open up the hoods of both vehicles & locate the batteries. Most vehicles will have their batteries under the hood, but there are some that have batteries located in the trunk or under the back seat.
If you cannot find the battery, check your owner’s manual.
3. Clean the terminals.
If you see any white or green corrosion on top of the battery posts, then please use an old towel or rag to clean off the battery posts.
Do not touch any of the corrosion with your bare hands.
4. Connect the jumper cables correctly and in sequence
- Attach the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
- Connect the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
- Attach the black clamp to the negative (–) terminal of the good battery.
- Connect the remaining black clamp to a metal part on the dead car that isn’t painted (a bolt or bracket is a good choice). This acts as a ground and is safer than connecting directly to the dead battery’s negative terminal.
5. Start the donor vehicle
Start the vehicle with the good battery & allow it to idle for 1-5 minutes to put some charge into the bad battery.
You may turn the throttle to 2000 RPM, but do not press down hard on the throttle.
6. Start the vehicle with the bad battery
Attempt to start the bad battery vehicle. If it does not start, allow the vehicle to idle for another 2-3 minutes before you try again.
7. Disconnect the jumper cables
Once you are able to start the vehicle with the dead battery:
- Remove the black jumper cable from the ground connection on the vehicle that was jumped.
- Remove the black clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle with the good battery.
- Remove the red clamp from the positive terminal of the vehicle with the good battery
- Remove the red clamp from the positive terminal of the vehicle with the bad battery.
8. Drive the jumped car
Driving the jumped car requires the engine to be on so that the alternator can recharge the battery properly.
Do not turn the car off prematurely, or you will be required to jump again.
There you have it!
Now you know how to jump start your car with another one. But what if you can’t find a car with a good battery?
How to Jump Start a Car with a Portable Jump Starter
To jump start a car with a portable jump starter, you don’t need a second car. First, turn off the dead car and all accessories.
Then, connect the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery.
Finally, connect the black clamp to an unpainted metal ground on the engine block (further away from the battery).
Now, turn the jump starter on according to its directions. Some have a “power” switch or a tell-tale light.
Wait 30 seconds (up to a few min), then try starting the car.
After the car has started, disconnect the clamps in reverse order & drive the car for 20-30 minutes to continue charging the battery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Jump Starting a Car
If you have never jump-started a car before, you might find it difficult even after following the instructions. Most people hesitate & make mistakes.
That’s exactly why you should be cautious by avoiding these common mistakes:
- Connecting jumper cables incorrectly (red first, black last; black off first)
- Allowing the two clamps to come into contact once connected. This can spark & damage the electrical components of the cars.
- Attaching the black clamp directly onto the dead battery (-) post. This could create sparks from battery gas clouds.
- Over-revving the donor vehicle’s engine (forcing too much charge into the other vehicle).
- Turning off the car after starting too soon (the battery will not be charged).
- Using thin, inexpensive jumper cables (will not supply enough amperage).
What If the Car Won’t Jump Start?
You might need to troubleshoot in case the car won’t jumpstart. To do this:
- Check all connections for tightness & corrosion.
- Leave the donor vehicle running longer (5-10 minutes).
- Gently rev the donor vehicle’s engine to 2,000 rpms to send a stronger charge.
- If you hear clicking only, the starter or ignition switch could be defective.
- If the lights and stereo work but the engine will not turn over, the starter, alternator, fuses, or safety switch could be defective.
- If nothing happens, the battery could be completely dead, or there may be a deeper electrical problem.
In these cases, you’ll need some professional help. Call for roadside assistance or have the vehicle towed to the mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the correct way to jump start a car?
Park close but not touching, connect red to dead positive, red to good positive, black to good negative, black to unpainted metal on dead car. Start the donor car, wait a few minutes, start the dead car, then disconnect in reverse order.
Should I press the gas when jumping a car?
No, do not push down on the gas pedal while trying to start a dead battery. Lightly rev the donor vehicle’s engine to 2000 RPM if the dead vehicle does not start.
How long should I run my car after jumping?
Run your vehicle for at least 20 to 30 minutes after unsuccessfully starting your vehicle.
Which car do you start first when jumping a dead battery?
You should start your donor vehicle first and allow it to run for a few minutes before attempting to start your dead vehicle.
Can you damage a car battery by jump-starting?
Yes, jumper cables can be damaged if used incorrectly (i.e., reversed polarity with damaged connections) or the cable can be of poor quality (i.e., a thin gauge cable). By connecting them in the correct order with thick gauge, you may eliminate some risk.
What are the signs of a dead car battery?
When you attempt to start your vehicle, if the lights do not turn on or are dim, there is a clicking sound, or the engine will not crank and make no sound.
Final Say
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having a dead battery, one of the easiest ways to solve the problem is by learning how to jump start a car. There were a few times I’ve had to ask one of my friends or even my neighbor to help me out.
But if you’re all by yourself, follow the proper order when connecting the cables, take your time, and above all, be safe.
Drop in the comments your experience with jump-starting your car!
