1. Safety First!
* Park safely: Both vehicles should be on a level surface, away from traffic, and with their parking brakes engaged.
* Turn off all accessories: Radios, lights, air conditioning, etc., should be off in both vehicles.
* Identify the batteries: Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both batteries. They are usually clearly marked, often with a "+" and "-" symbol or the words "POSITIVE" and "NEGATIVE".
* Wear safety glasses: Battery acid is corrosive, so protect your eyes.
* Gloves are recommended: This protects your hands from acid and potential sparks.
2. Connecting the Jumper Cables:
The order is crucial to prevent sparks near sensitive electronics. This is the generally accepted, safest method. Some sources suggest slight variations, but the core principle remains the same: Connect to the good battery first, then the dead battery, and disconnect in reverse order.
* Positive to Positive: Connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the GOOD battery.
* Positive to Positive: Connect the other end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the DEAD battery.
* Negative to Ground (Negative): Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the GOOD battery.
* Negative to Ground (Engine Block): Connect the other end of the black (negative) jumper cable to an UNPAINTED metal surface on the engine block of the DEAD vehicle. *Do not connect the negative cable directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery.* Connecting to the engine block reduces the risk of sparks near the battery which could ignite explosive hydrogen gas.
3. Starting the Vehicles:
* Start the GOOD vehicle: Let it run for a minute or two to charge the dead battery.
* Start the DEAD vehicle: Attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it doesn't start immediately, try again after a few more minutes of charging.
4. Disconnecting the Jumper Cables:
* Negative to Ground: Disconnect the black (negative) jumper cable from the engine block of the dead vehicle.
* Negative to Negative: Disconnect the black (negative) jumper cable from the negative terminal of the good battery.
* Positive to Positive: Disconnect the red (positive) jumper cable from the positive terminal of the dead battery.
* Positive to Positive: Disconnect the red (positive) jumper cable from the positive terminal of the good battery.
5. Post-Jump Start:
* Let both vehicles run for 15-20 minutes: This allows the battery in the dead vehicle to fully recharge.
* Check the dead vehicle's charging system: If the battery continues to die quickly, there may be an issue with the alternator or another part of the charging system. Have it checked by a mechanic.
Important Considerations:
* Battery types: If you're dealing with different battery types (e.g., lead-acid vs. lithium-ion), consult the specific instructions for your vehicle's battery.
* If in doubt, call for help: Don't hesitate to call a roadside assistance service if you're unsure about any part of the process.
Following these steps carefully will minimize the risk of injury and damage to your vehicles. Remember, safety is paramount!
