How to Use Automobile Jumper Cables
Automobile jumper cables, also referred to as booster cables, can be a lifesaver if your battery drains down. It's common for automobile batteries to discharge if a car isn't driven for a while, or if any of the lights are left on after the vehicle has been turned off. Without the alternator running to recharge it, the battery will generally drain down quickly. Connecting jumper cables seems a simple enough procedure, but certain precautions should be taken. There is a precise method for connecteing jumper cables that must be followed to reduce the risk of damage to the cars involved, as well as personal injury.
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Instructions
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Turn the ignition off in both vehicles; set the parking brakes for safety. Open the hood on both vehicles and familiarize yourself with the battery terminals. Locate the positive battery terminal (marked by a "+" sign, usually red) and the negative battery terminal ( marked with a "-" sign, usually black). Make sure your cables are long enough to connect the batteries; if not, move the "donor" vehicle closer to the vehicle with the dead battery.
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Attach the positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the positive battery terminal on the car with the dead battery. Connect the opposite end of the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal on the donor vehicle.
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Connect the negative (black) jumper cable to the negative battery terminal of the donor car. Attach the opposite end of the negative jumper cable to an unpainted, clean, metal piece in the engine bay of the donor car. Ideally, a large bolt or metal ridge works fine (this serves as your ground). If you cannot find such a piece, connect the negative jumper cable to the negative battery terminal in the car with the dead battery.
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Crank the engine in the donor car. Let it run for a few minutes, and then try to crank the engine in the car with the dead battery. If it cranks immediately, keep the engines in the two vehicles running for five to 10 minutes.
If it doesn't crank, turn the ignition off. Continue to let the donor car run, and then try again to crank the engine in the car with the dead battery in another five to 10 minutes.
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Disconnect the negative jumper cable from the car with the dead battery once the engine starts up. Then, disconnect the negative jumper cable from the donor vehicle. Afterward, disconnect the positive jumper cable from the donor vehicle, and finally, disconnect the positive jumper cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
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Drive the vehicle that had the dead battery for about 20 minutes. This will help recharge the battery. If the battery has been discharged too much, there is a chance it will not properly any longer. Consider bringing the vehicle to a shop to have the battery level checked, just to be sure (the battery may require replacement).
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Tips & Warnings
Do not cross-connect the jumper cables. Follow the precise connection and disconnection order to prevent damage and a possible explosion.
