How to Properly Jumpstart a Car Battery

Watch: Proper Jumpstart Procedure

Quick Takeaways

• Confirm the battery is the problem first. A quick light test saves time and avoids wrong fixes.
• Red to dead, red to donor, black to donor, black to ground. Disconnect in reverse order.
• Use an engine or chassis ground for the last clamp, not the dead battery’s negative post.
• Let the donor run 2 to 5 minutes before starting the dead car to reduce current shock.
• After it starts, keep the engine idling for 20 to 30 minutes and plan a proper charge test.

Before You Begin: Safety and Quick Checks

1) Confirm it is a battery issue

Do the dome light and dash lights look dim or dead when you open the door and turn the key to On.
If yes, the battery is likely discharged.

If lights are bright but there is a single click, you may have a starter or cable issue.
If there is rapid clicking, the battery is very low or a cable connection is poor.

2) Park safely and prepare both cars

Park the donor vehicle close enough for cables to reach, but do not let the vehicles touch.
Engage parking brakes and place both transmissions in Park or Neutral.

Turn off all accessories in both cars. Hazard lights can stay on for visibility if needed.

3) Inspect the battery area

Look for cracked cases, leaks, or strong rotten egg smell. If you see damage or smell sulfur,
do not jump it. Call for service.

Identify the positive (+) and negative (−) posts or remote terminals. Clean obvious corrosion
if needed with a paper towel or a dedicated brush.

What You Need

• Quality jumper cables with at least 4-gauge wire and solid clamps, or
• Portable lithium jump starter with enough peak amps for your engine size.
• Optional: Safety glasses and mechanic gloves.

How to Jumpstart With Cables

Connection order

Step 1: Attach red clamp to the dead battery’s positive (+) post.

Step 2: Attach the other red clamp to the donor battery’s positive (+) post.

Step 3: Attach black clamp to the donor battery’s negative (−) post.

Step 4: Attach the final black clamp to an unpainted metal ground
on the dead car, such as a solid engine bracket or chassis ground point.
Do not use the dead battery’s negative post.

Charging and start

Start the donor car and let it idle 2 to 5 minutes. This gives the dead battery a small charge
and reduces shock to electronics.

Try to start the dead car. If it does not start, wait another 2 minutes,
slightly raise the donor idle, and try again.

Disconnect order

Once the dead car starts, remove clamps in reverse order without letting them touch:
black from ground, black from donor negative, red from donor positive, red from formerly dead positive.

How to Jumpstart With a Portable Jump Starter

Setup

Turn the jump pack off. Connect red to the battery’s positive (+) and black to the chassis ground point.
Make sure clamps are solid.

Start

Turn the jump pack on. Wait for the ready light if your pack has it. Start the car.
If it does not start, wait 30 to 60 seconds and try again.

Remove

Turn off the jump pack and remove clamps. Recharge the pack as soon as you get home.

After It Starts: Next Steps

Stabilize and recharge

Keep the engine idling with lights and HVAC off for 5 minutes.
Then drive for 20 to 30 minutes to bring the battery above a safe state of charge.

Test the battery and charging system

If the battery is older than 3 years or you have repeated no-start events,
get a battery load test and an alternator output test. Many parts stores offer free checks.

Find the cause

Common causes include a light left on, short trips, cold snaps,
a weak battery near end of life, corroded terminals, or a failing alternator.

Troubleshooting

Nothing happens when you turn the key

Check clamp connections. Clean corrosion. Let the donor run longer before retrying.
Verify you grounded to clean bare metal.

Rapid clicking and still no start

The battery is very low. Give it more time to charge through the cables or use a stronger jump starter.

Cranks but will not start

You may have a fuel or ignition issue. This is not a battery problem.

Sparks at the final connection

Small spark can be normal. Big spark suggests a poor ground or accessories left on.
Recheck the order and turn accessories off.

At-a-Glance Checklist

• Park safe, brake on, transmissions in Park or Neutral.
• Confirm dead battery. Inspect for leaks or damage.
• Red to dead +, red to donor +, black to donor −, black to ground.
• Donor idle 2 to 5 minutes, then start dead car.
• Remove clamps in reverse order. Do not let clamps touch.
• Idle 5 minutes, drive 20 to 30 minutes, then test battery and alternator.

Tools & Products

Affiliate note: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them,
CarTipsHQ may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

• 4-gauge Jumper Cables for reliable current flow.
• Portable Lithium Jump Starter sized for your engine.

FAQs

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