Puzzled about jumpstarting a car with jumper cables? Here is an easy step-by-step guide:

What You Need

• Jumper cables

• A car with a dead battery (Car A)

• A car with a good battery (Car B)

How to Connect Jumper Cables

    1. Park Both Cars:

Position the cars close enough so the cables reach, but don’t let them touch.

    2. Turn Off Both Cars:

Remove the keys and make sure both ignitions are off.

    3. Open the Hoods:

Locate both batteries. Identify the positive (+, often red) and negative (–, often black) terminals.

    4. Attach Jumper Cables in This Order:

1. Red cable to dead battery (+):

Connect one end of the red (positive) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.

2. Red cable to good battery (+):

Connect the other end of the red (positive) cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.

3. Black cable to good battery (–):

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

4. Black cable to the unpainted metal on the dead car:

 Connect the other end of the black (negative) cable to an unpainted metal surface (like a bolt or bracket) under the car's hood with the dead battery. Do NOT attach it directly to the dead battery’s negative terminal. Make sure cables don’t touch each other during connection.

    5. Start the Cars

• Start the car with a good battery and let it run for a few minutes.

• Try to start the car with the dead battery.

• If it starts, let both cars run for a few minutes.

    6. Disconnect the Jumper Cables in Reverse Order

1. Black cable from unpainted metal on a dead car

2. Black cable from the negative terminal on a good battery

3. Red cable from the positive terminal on a good battery

4. Red cable from the positive terminal on the dead battery

FAQ

What color is positive on jumper cables, and what is negative?

• Positive (+) jumper cable: Red

• Negative (–) jumper cable: Black

Where to ground jumper cables?

Ground the black (negative) cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or car frame of the car with the dead battery, not the battery terminal.

How do jumper cables actually work?

Jumper cables transfer electrical current from a good battery to a dead one. This provides enough power to start the dead car’s engine. Once started, the alternator recharges the battery.

How long to leave jumper cables on a dead battery?

Leave the jumper cables connected for a few minutes after starting the dead car—usually 2–5 minutes—to allow some charging. Then, remove the cables in reverse order. Let the car run for 15–30 minutes to recharge the battery.

How to jump a car without jumper cables?

You have two options:

1. Push Start (for Manual Transmission Cars Only):

• Turn the ignition to “on.”

• Press the clutch and put the car in 2nd gear.

• Get someone else to push the car until it picks up speed (5–10 km/h or 3–6 mph).

• Release the clutch quickly while giving it gas.

• The engine should start.

2. Portable Jump Starter:

• Use a battery jump box (if you have one).

• A portable car starter comes with two built-in cables—red (positive) and black (negative)—just like regular jumper cables. They connect to your battery the same way, but draw power from the device instead of another car.

• Attach the cables as you would with jumper cables.

Remember that automatic cars generally can’t be push-started.

If you have an automatic, call for roadside assistance or use a portable jump starter.

Nassau National Cable sells high-quality jumper cables at great prices.