4.The jumper cables are marked with colors or stripes to help you keep track of the two separate wires. Attach one end of the positive cable clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery (the positive cable may have a stripe, or if the cables are marked with red and black, the red cable is positive).
5.Attach the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
6.Attach one end of the negative cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.
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Your cables are now live! do not touch the remaining cable clamp metal portion to yourself or any part of the car except the negative terminal of the dead battery.
7.Attach the other end of the negative cable to a metal section \(bracket, block, etc.\) of the engine away from any moving parts \(CAUTION: belts and pulleys can be dangerous\). Connecting this cable last, and away from the battery, will avoid sparks and potential hazards at the battery.
8.Make certain everyone is clear of the engine compartments—don’t allow hands or clothing to be caught by moving engine parts.
9. Start the engine of the good car. Allow it to run for 1-2 minutes. Rev the engine slightly by pressing on the gas pedal lightly.
Start the engine of the dead car. It may take more than one try, but do not try to restart it more than three or four times.
CAUTION Some car’s electrical and computer systems may be damaged by running the engine with a dead battery. Check your owner’s manual or service provider for guidance.
If the Car Still Won't Start
If the dead car gets no “click” when you turn the key, the booster cables may not have a good connection at the terminals. Turn off the engine and try rocking the cable clamps back and forth to get the clamps to dig into the terminals. Or, try another ground point to attach the negative cables.
Retry from step 7. If the engine still won't start, allow the good car to run for 5-10 minutes while hooked up to the dead car. Rev the engine slightly. This may build a charge in the dead battery and allow you to restart.
If the jump start doesn't work and your car remains unresponsive, it may be necessary to consider towing. Understanding the cost — specifically, how much to tow a vehicle 10 miles — and recognizing the signs your vehicle needs to be towed can save you time and prevent further complications. Always consult a professional to safely transport your vehicle to a service location.
