Follow the safe jumper cable connection sequence

Use jumper cables and a running vehicle to revive a dead battery. The correct connection and disconnection order prevents dangerous sparks near flammable battery gases and protects vehicle electronics.

Steps

1. Position vehicles close enough for cables to reach both batteries, but not touching. Turn off both engines.
2. Connect RED clamp to the positive (+) terminal on the dead battery.
3. Connect other RED clamp to the positive (+) terminal on the good battery.
4. Connect BLACK clamp to the negative (-) terminal on the good battery.
5. Connect other BLACK clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car's engine block, away from the battery. This grounds the circuit and keeps sparks away from battery gases.
6. Start the working car and let it idle 2-3 minutes.
7. Start the dead car. If it fires up, let both vehicles run several minutes.
8. Disconnect in reverse order: black from ground, black from good battery, red from good battery, red from dead battery.
9. Drive the revived car at least 15-20 minutes so the alternator recharges the battery.

Tips

• Clean heavily corroded terminals with a wire brush before clamping
• Never let red and black clamps touch each other while connected
• If the dead car won't start after several attempts, the battery may need replacement