Things You'll Need:
- Jumper cables
- Vehicle with dead battery
- Vehicle with charged battery
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Step 1
Determine whether you need jumper cables. If you turn the key and your vehicle makes a click but wont start, you will in deed need jumper cables. If the vehicle makes a starting noise and electrical devices, like your lights and radio work, then the battery is not your problem; thus, jumper cables will not help.
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Step 2
Unravel the jumper cables so that they are straight. Note that each end has two clips; a red clip and a black clip.
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Step 3
Park the vehicle with the fully charged battery next to the vehicle with the dead battery. It is important that the two batteries are close enough so that the jumper cables can reach. It is best to park the vehicles with the engines either facing each other or side by side. Raise both hoods so the engines are exposed.
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Step 4
Attach one of the jumper cable red clips to the positive terminal of the dead battery. A "+" sign will indicate which terminal is positive. The positive terminal is also a little bit larger than the negative terminal. You may need to remove a plastic cover on the terminal to attach the red clip. The clip should be attached to the metal part of the terminal nub.
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Step 5
Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the fully charged battery. This will also be designated by a "+" sign and the positive terminal will be slightly larger. The clip should be attached to the metal part of the terminal nub.
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Step 6
Locate the black clip next to the red one you just attached to the fully charged battery. Attach this black clip to the negative terminal of the fully charged battery. This will be indicated by a "-" sign on the battery. The clip should be attached to the metal part of the terminal nub.
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Step 7
"Ground" the other black clip to the engine block of the car with the dead battery. You do this by clipping it to any piece of metal on the engine. Don't panic if your jumper cables spark a little bit when you do this. If you aren't touching any metal parts you wont be shocked.
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Step 8
Start the vehicle with the dead battery. It should start right up. If it doesn't, check the connections on your jumper cables.
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Step 9
Disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order. Remove the black clip on your engine block first followed by the black clip on the charged battery and then the red clip next to it. Finally, remove the red clip on your battery.
