How to Jump Start a Car
Jumping a car is a simple procedure that can be done with a few tools and a little bit of know-how. It’s a good idea to keep a set of jumper cables in your car in case of emergencies.
Materials You’ll Need
- Jumper cables
- Another car with a working battery
- Safety glasses
Safety Precautions
- Park both cars in a well-ventilated area.
- Turn off the engines of both cars.
- Set the parking brakes on both cars.
- Put on safety glasses.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Locate the batteries. The batteries are usually located under the hood of the car. They are typically black or gray boxes with two terminals, one positive (+) and one negative (-).
- Identify the positive and negative terminals. The positive terminal will be marked with a "+" sign or the word "positive." The negative terminal will be marked with a "-" sign or the word "negative."
- Connect the jumper cables. First, connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then, connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working battery. Next, connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working battery. Finally, connect the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the frame of the dead car. Do not connect the black cable directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery.
- Start the working car. Once the jumper cables are connected, start the engine of the working car. Let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
- Start the dead car. After a few minutes, try to start the dead car. If it starts, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that you connected them.
- Let the dead car run for a while. Once the dead car is running, let it run for a while to recharge the battery.
Troubleshooting
- The dead car won’t start. If the dead car won’t start after you have connected the jumper cables, there may be a problem with the battery, the starter, or the alternator. You may need to call a mechanic to diagnose the problem.
- The jumper cables are sparking. If the jumper cables are sparking, it means that there is a bad connection. Check the connections and make sure that they are tight.
- The working car’s engine is running rough. If the working car’s engine is running rough after you have connected the jumper cables, it may be a sign that the alternator is not working properly. You may need to call a mechanic to diagnose the problem.
FAQs
- Can I jump start my car with a diesel engine? Yes, you can jump start a diesel engine with a gasoline engine, but it is not recommended. Diesel engines require more power to start than gasoline engines, so it may take longer to jump start a diesel engine.
- Can I jump start my car with a hybrid battery? Yes, you can jump start a hybrid car with a gasoline engine, but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some hybrid cars have a special procedure for jump starting.
- How long should I let my car run after jump starting it? You should let your car run for at least 30 minutes after jump starting it to recharge the battery.
- Can I jump start my car if the battery is completely dead? No, you cannot jump start a car if the battery is completely dead. The battery needs to have some charge in order to be able to accept a charge from the working car.
- What should I do if my car won’t start after I have jump started it? If your car won’t start after you have jump started it, there may be a problem with the battery, the starter, or the alternator. You may need to call a mechanic to diagnose the problem.
