How to Jump-Start a Vehicle - Les Schwab, by Les Schwab on YouTube. 3 min 35 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 35 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Park the working car close to the dead car but not touching it. Turn off both engines and set the parking brakes.
Remove the key from the ignition of the car with the dead battery. Take out the jumper cables and keep all four clamp ends apart.
Clamp the red positive cable to the positive (+) post on the dead battery. The post is usually marked with a plus sign.
Clamp the other red positive cable to the positive (+) post on the working battery.
Clamp the black negative cable to a grounded piece of bare metal on the dead car, such as a bracket or engine block. Do not use the negative battery post.
Clamp the other black negative cable to the negative (-) post on the working battery. Keep the cables clear of moving parts like belts and fans.
Start the car with the good battery and let it idle for several minutes to send charge to the dead battery.
Start the car with the dead battery. Leave both engines running once it starts.
Disconnect the cables in reverse order: black from the working car, black from the dead car, red from the working car, then red from the dead car.
Drive the car for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery, then get the battery and charging system checked.
Tips and common mistakes
Never let the red and black clamps touch each other while connected, as this can cause sparks.
If the dead car still will not start after a few tries, stop and call for help rather than cranking the starter repeatedly.
Wear safety glasses and avoid leaning over the battery, since batteries can vent gas and acid.
In rain, snow or darkness, use a flashlight and keep cables off wet ground so you can see each connection.
Questions
Can I connect the black cable to the dead battery's negative post?
It is safer to clamp the black cable to bare metal on the dead car. This keeps sparks away from the battery, which can give off flammable gas.
How long should I let the working car run before starting the dead one?
Let it idle for several minutes first. If the dead car does not start, let the working car run a few more minutes before trying again.
Do I need to turn off the cars before connecting the cables?
Yes. Turn off both engines and remove the key from the dead car's ignition before you attach any clamps.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
