*Note: Always refer to the vehicle owner's manuals on the correct procedure before connecting jumper cables to ensure safety as some vehicle models may have different instructions.
Step 1: Park Vehicles
- Park the vehicles in a well-ventilated area, ensuring they are not touching each other. Put the parking brake on and turn off the engines of both vehicles.
Step 2: Identify Battery Terminals
- Locate the battery in each vehicle. Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. The positive terminal is usually marked with a "+" symbol and the negative terminal marked with "-" or "NEG".
Step 3: Connect Red Clamp to Dead Battery's Positive Terminal
- Attach one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery. Make sure the clamp makes a secure connection.
Step 4: Connect Red Clamp to Good Battery's Positive Terminal
- Connect the other end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the good battery in the working vehicle.
Step 5: Connect Black Clamp to Good Battery's Negative Terminal
- Attach one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal (-) of the good battery in the working vehicle.
Step 6: Connect Black Clamp to Dead Battery's Unpainted Metal Surface
- Connect the other end of the black (negative) jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on the dead vehicle, such as the engine block. Avoid connecting directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery.
Step 7: Start Working Vehicle and Let it Run
- Start the engine of the working vehicle and allow it to run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
Step 8: Attempt to Start Dead Vehicle
- Without turning off the working vehicle, attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery.
Step 9: Disconnect Jumper Cables in Reverse Order
- If successful, leave the vehicles running for a few more minutes to allow the dead battery to charge further. Then disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order:
1. Remove black cable from dead vehicle's metal surface.
2. Remove black cable from good battery's negative terminal.
3. Remove red cable from good battery's positive terminal.
4. Remove red cable from dead battery's positive terminal.
Step 10: Allow Charged Vehicle to Run
- Let the vehicle with the previously dead battery run for a while without further jump-starting assistance to allow it to recharge.
Precautions
- Ensure the vehicles are not touching while connecting or disconnecting cables to avoid sparks.
- Do not connect the jumper cables in the wrong sequence as this can damage the vehicles' electrical systems.
- Be careful not to touch the metal parts of the clamps while they are connected.
- If the vehicle with the dead battery does not start after following these steps, seek assistance from a trained automotive professional.
