Steps to Jump-Start a Dead Battery
Most of us will have to deal with a dead battery at some point in our lives. Whether this is a dead battery in our own car or someone else’s, it is important to know the proper steps to jump-start a dead battery. While jump-starting a battery can be done with a portable jump-starter, this article will layout how to jump-start a dead battery with another vehicle and jumper cables.
Steps to Jump-Start a Vehicle
The first steps is to make sure the dead battery is in a good condition to be jumped. If there are cracks or leaks, do not attempt to jump-start the battery. A new battery will be needed. You also should never jump-start a battery that is frozen or dry.
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Once you have placed the car with the dead battery and the car with the donor battery side-by-side and opened the hoods, you can follow these steps:
- Attach the red, positive clip to the positive terminal on the dead battery
- Place the positive clip onto the positive terminal on the donor battery
- Connect the black clip to the negative terminal on the donor battery
- Attach the final black clip to an unpainted metal part of the vehicle with the dead battery. Make sure it is not near the dead battery. A go-to spot would be the metal strut that holds the hood open.
- Start the donor car and allow it to idle for a few minutes. This will allow the car with the dead battery to charge.
- Test an interior light on the car with the dead battery. If the light turns on, there may be enough power to start the vehicle. If not, give it a few more minutes.
- Once the car with the dead battery starts, do not turn it off for 15 to 30 minutes. It is best to take the car for a drive rather than let it idle.
- Remove the clips in the reverse order they were placed.
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