Final answer:
To jump-start a car with a dead battery, connect the jumper cables in the correct order between the dead and the good battery, start the working car to charge the dead battery, attempt to start the dead car, and then carefully remove the cables.
Step-by-step explanation:
After getting help from someone with a car that has a working battery, you should follow these steps to jump-start your car battery:
Position the working car so that the batteries are close enough for the jumper cables to reach, but make sure the cars do not touch.
- Turn off the ignition and all electrical accessories in both cars.
- Attach one end of the red, positive (+) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
- Connect the other end of the red, positive (+) cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
- Attach one end of the black, negative (-) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.
- Connect the other end of the black, negative (-) cable to a metal part of the car with the dead battery, away from the battery and any moving parts, to serve as a ground.
- Start the engine of the helper car and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
- Try to start the car with the dead battery. If it starts, let it idle to recharge the battery further.
- Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that you put them on, being careful not to let the clamps touch each other or any metal surface.
- Keep the jump-started car running for at least 15 minutes to help ensure the battery gets an adequate charge.
It is important that you do not short the battery terminals or reverse the connections, as it can cause damage or injury. Make sure the battery voltage of the two cars is compatible.