How To Hook Up Jumper Cables: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Hook up Jumper Cables 1 Start the donor vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes. Use the ignition key to start the engine. The electrical systems, such as the lights and radio, will start while electricity flows to the dead battery. Give the battery at least 30 seconds to build power before you attempt to start the other car.[9]
    • Depending on the dead battery’s age and condition, it may require more time to charge, so let it run for an additional minute if your first attempt doesn’t work.
    • Step on the gas pedal to run the RPM up to about 3,000 to drive more power towards the dead battery.[10]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Hook up Jumper Cables 2 Start the dead car’s engine and let it run for 10-15 minutes. Turn the key in the ignition to activate the car. The electrical systems should immediately activate. If the lights, radio, or other electrical components don’t come on, give the battery more time—shut off the car, make sure the cables are attached properly, and then try revving the working car to increase the power supply.[11]
    • If the car doesn’t start after repeated attempts, your car may have a different problem. Call a mechanic, tow service, or other roadside assistance for aid.
    • If the car’s lights come on but the engine won’t start, the battery is fine, and your issue is caused by another problem. A clicking noise may indicate that it’s time to replace the starter.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Hook up Jumper Cables 3 Disconnect the jumper cables in reverse, starting with the black clamps. Remove the cables in the exact opposite order from earlier. Start with the negative (black) grounding cable you attached to a metal component on the dead car, followed by the black clamp on the donor battery. Then remove the red clamp from the donor battery, followed by the red clamp on the newly-charged battery.
    • Take the jumped car for at least a 15-minute drive to charge the battery before you shut it down again.
    • Be careful when handling the cables. Make sure the clamps do not touch until all of them are removed from the batteries.
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