How to Jump Start a Car

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By flyguy3333
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Jump Start a Car

Jump starting a car is something everyone should know how to do. It is relatively easy and the payoff is worth it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

How to Tell if Your Battery Is Dead

Before you try jump starting a car, you need to determine that the battery is the reason the car isn’t starting up. If you turn the ignition and hear the engine cranking, a dead battery isn’t your problem and jump starting it won’t do a darn thing. However, if you turn the key and the car does absolutely nothing, then there’s a good chance you have a dead battery on your hands and jumping it may be your ticket to getting back on the road.
Step 2

Make sure both cars are turned OFF.
Step 3

Connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal on the stalled battery.
Step 4

Then connect the other red (positive) cable clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery.
Step 5

Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.
Step 6

Then connect the other black (negative) cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the disabled car’s hood. Somewhere on the engine block is a good place. Unless you want to see flying sparks and a possible explosion, do not connect the negative cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery, .
Step 7

Start the car that’s doing the jumping, and allow it to run for about 2 to 3 minutes before starting the dead car.
Step 8

Remove cables in reverse order.
Keep the jumped car running for at least 30 minutes to give the battery sufficient time to recharge itself.

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