Whether you are just starting out as a first-time driver or car owner, or you are in the middle of a dead car battery conundrum, knowing how to jump start a car will be an important skill set to have in your automotive aptitude arsenal. Continue below for detailed instructions on how to jump start a dead car battery using a conventional set of jumper cables.
What You Need to Jump-Start a Dead Car Battery
To jump start a dead battery, you will need two essential resources: a set of jumper cables and another working vehicle. You can purchase a set of jumper cables at any local automotive retail store or home improvement store. You can also purchase them online through relevant retailers. Jumper cables come in all different variations, ranging in quality, application, and price.
For the purpose of jump-starting in that car battery, you really only need a very basic set of jumper cables. Don’t spend more than $40 unless you are equipping a heavier duty vehicle for emergency roadside purposes. Larger trucks and vans might require a more expensive set of jumper cables because they use higher power batteries.
In order to jump start a dead car battery, you will also need another operational vehicle, called the booster car. The jumper cables will work as a conduit, transferring power from the good car battery to your dead car battery. This jolt of power is what we call the “jumpstart”, which should adequately power your battery and start your vehicle. If a jump-start fails the first time, it’s recommended to give it another try. However, if jump starting a dead car battery continues to fail, you likely need car battery replacement.
Guide to Jump Starting a Car
Park the booster vehicle side-by-side with your car. You may also park the booster vehicle in front of your car, hood to hood. Whatever positioning you choose, just be sure that both car battery receptacles are close enough so that the jumper cables can reach each one at the same time.
Before getting started, be sure that both vehicles are completely off.
Next, open the hood and secure it in place with the attached latch. Do this with the other vehicle too.
Locate the car battery, then identify the negative (-) and positive (+) battery terminals. They may also be labeled as POS (positive) and NEG (negative). Do this with the other vehicle too.
If the battery looks dirty, use a rag to gently clear away any debris. If you notice green, blue, or white-colored corrosion around the battery terminals, do not attempt a jump-start. This is a sign that you need a new car battery.
Next, unwind your jumper cables, but do not allow the clamps to touch. In fact, from this point on, do not allow the clamps to touch any metal surface at all, otherwise it will create a spark and pose a fire or burn hazard.
Starting with the dead car, attach the red-colored positive (+) clamp of the jumper cable to the positive battery terminal. Move to the booster car and do the same thing.
Go back to the dead car and attach the black-colored negative (-) clamp to the negative battery terminal. Move to the booster car and do the same thing.
Now start the booster car. Wait several minutes, then start the car. You may need to hold the ignition key over for a few seconds to get it to start. Let your car run for 10 to 20 minutes to get a good charge. If it will not hold the charge, you could need alternator repair or a new battery.
Finish by disconnecting the jumper cables in reverse order: Remove the black clamp on your car, then remove the black clamp on the booster car. Remove the red clamp on the booster car, then remove the red clamp on your car.
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