How to Use Jumper Cables
Jump starting a vehicle is not a difficult task; however, it is a very important thing to know how to do. While many people think they know how to jump start a car, it is very common that it is incorrectly done. Jump starting a vehicle is necessary when a vehicles battery “dies” or does not have enough power to start your car. In a situation like this, you will need an operational vehicle with a fully functioning battery. You will also need a set of jumper cables. I recommend always keeping a set of jumper cables in your vehicle. More than likely, you will personally require them at some point but even so, it is even more likely that someone else will need them. So be prepared. They are relatively inexpensive and can be bought with cases. They also come in an assortment of lengths.
A. First you will want to take a couple of precautions before attempting to jump start your vehicle.
- Make sure the ignition switch is in the off position.
- Turn off all electrical loads in your vehicle (AC, radio, etc.)
- Make sure the vehicles are not touching each other.
- Make sure the transmission is in park (P) for automatic transmissions and neutral (N) for manual transmissions.
- Be safe. Mind your eyes and avoid physical contact with the battery, it contains acid that can be corrosive.
B. Alright, now we are ready to begin the procedure. Carefully connect the red jumper cable to positive (+) terminal of the dead battery and to the positive terminal of the good battery.
C. Now connect one side of the black jumper cable to the negative (-) lead of the good battery.
D. Now, and this is the part that is most commonly done incorrectly, connect the other side of the black jumper cable to a ground in the engine compartment of the vehicle with the dead battery, NOT to the negative (-) lead of the dead battery. A ground is a solid piece of metal but NOT the fan, drive belt, or other moving parts of the engine.
E. Now attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. When it starts, disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order and make sure to leave the vehicle running long enough for the battery to recharge.
If the vehicle doesn't start after a few tries, it is possible that there is a problem other than, or in addition to, a dead battery. More than likely, your alternator is not working properly.