Safety Glasses
Gloves
Jumper Cables
Step 1: Check owner's manual
Check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle has special terminals under the hood specifically for jump-starting.
Make sure any of your lights, stereo and accessories are turned off. Unless you’re using a jump-starter, make sure the other vehicle with a good battery is also shut off and close enough to your vehicle that the cables will reach (but not touching). Set the emergency brakes.
Make sure any of your lights, stereo and accessories are turned off. Unless you’re using a jump-starter, make sure the other vehicle with a good battery is also shut off and close enough to your vehicle that the cables will reach (but not touching). Set the emergency brakes.
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Do It Right: If you have some safety eyewear, now’s the time to put it on. |
Step 2: Attach positive cable to dead battery
Determine which cable is for the positive terminal, and which one is for the negative terminal. In most cases, the black cable will be for the negative terminal, and the contrasting color will be for the positive terminal. Attach the end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery first. Let the other clamp rest somewhere that is NOT metal, so there’s no ground.
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Do It Right: Never let the clamps of the battery cables touch once they are attached to either set of battery terminals. |
Step 3: Attach positive cable to good battery
Attach the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
Step 4: Attach negative cable to good battery
Attach the negative cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.
Step 5: Attach negative cable to bare metal on car with dead battery
Attach the other end of the negative cable to some bare metal on the car with the dead battery.
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Do It Right: Check your service manual to see if there is a negative terminal on your car specifically for jump-starting. |
Step 6: Start vehicle with good battery
Start the vehicle with the good battery. Let this engine run for at least a few minutes, and then try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it doesn't start immediately, let the "good" vehicle continue to run until the dead battery has enough charge to start.
Step 7: Detach cables
When you go to detach the cables, take them off in reverse order. Remove the negative cable on the vehicle with the dead battery, then the negative cable on the vehicle with the good battery, and then the positive cables.
Step 8: Let vehicle with drained battery run for a while
It’s a good idea to let the vehicle you just jumped run for a while. If you think you may need a new battery, head to your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store to have yours tested, and pick up a set of jumper cables (if you don’t already have a pair).
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The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.