What You Need
Jumper cables
A working car (the donor vehicle)
The car with the dead battery
1. Position the Vehicles
Park the working car close enough to the dead car so the cables reach, but don't let them touch.
Turn both vehicles off and put them in Park (or Neutral for manual).
Set the parking brakes.
2. Connect the Jumper Cables in This Exact Order
🔴 Red Clamp (Positive):
First Red Clamp to + (positive) terminal on the dead battery.
Second Red Clamp to + (positive) terminal on the good battery.
⚫ Black Clamp (Negative)
First Black Clamp to – (negative) terminal on the good battery.
Second Black Clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or frame of the dead car (NOT the battery). This grounds the circuit and prevents sparks.
3. Start the Working Car
Let it run for a couple of minutes.
4. Start the Dead Car
Try starting the car. If it doesn't start right away, wait a few more minutes, then try again.
5. Once the Dead Car Starts
Let both cars run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
6. Remove the Cables in Reverse Order
Black clamp from the grounded metal surface on the dead car.
Black clamp from the good battery.
Red clamp from the good battery.
Red clamp from the previously dead battery.
7. Drive the Jumpstarted Car
Drive for at least 15–30 minutes to allow the alternator to charge the battery.
⚠️ Safety Tips
Don't let the clamps touch each other.
Wear gloves and eye protection if you have them.
If the car still won't start after several attempts, the battery may be completely dead, or another issue (starter, alternator, etc.) could be the cause.