2010-01-17 - Jump start a car

I feel like every time I'm in a situation where someone needs to have their car jump-started there is a little bit of confusion as to what goes where. Usually there is at least one person there who knows how to do it so it's not a big deal. It's something that I feel embarrassed that I don't know for sure how to do it- so I never really ask. I'm pretty sure I'd be able to figure it out without killing myself or exploding a battery- but I figured I'd take the time to learn how and not forget it.

I found this helpful guide from this helpful website. I think I'll be visiting them again for more man-stuff skills.

1. Make sure both vehicles are off.

2. Red cable (positive) to the positive terminal on the dead battery.

3. Red cable (positive) to the positive terminal on the good battery.

4. Black cable (negative) to the negative terminal on the good battery.

5. Black cable (negative) to ground on the dead car. Clean, unpainted metal surface somewhere in the engine compartment. Never connect to the negative terminal on the dead battery.

6. Start the car with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes.

7. Start the dead car.

8. Remove cables in the reverse order. Remove from ground. Remove from negative on good battery. Remove from positive on good battery. Remove from positive on dead battery.

9. Let the dead battery recharge by running the car for 30 minutes.

+dead, +good, -good, grounddead

grounddead, -good, +good, +dead

The guide also goes on to explain how to jump-start a standard vehicle by pushing/rolling down a hill if you're interested. I'll have to learn that one too.