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How to jump-start a car

Gloves and eye protection on. Red to the dead battery's +, red to the good battery's +, black to the good battery's −, and the last black on bare metal on the dead car, away from the battery. Start the good car, wait a few minutes, then start yours.

Easy15 min to doFree if you have cables

You'll need

  • Jumper cables, or a charged portable jump starter
  • Safety glasses and gloves
  • A second car with a good 12-volt battery
  • Your owner's manual

Do it like this

Jumper cable clamp orderFour panels. 1: red clamp on the dead battery's positive terminal. 2: other red clamp on the good battery's positive terminal. 3: black clamp on the good battery's negative terminal. 4: last black clamp on bare, unpainted metal on the dead car, away from the battery. Remove them in reverse order.1Red to dead ++−DEAD+−GOODbare metal2Red to good ++−DEAD+−GOODbare metal3Black to good −+−DEAD+−GOODbare metal4Black to metal+−DEAD+−GOODbare metalSolid line: red cable. Dashed line: black cable. Gold: the clamp you connect in that step.
Clamp order: red, red, black, metal. Take them off in reverse.
  1. Gear up and check. Put on safety glasses and gloves and take off metal jewelry. Look at the dead battery: if it's cracked, bulging or smells like rotten eggs, don't jump it (AAA).
  2. Park close, not touching. Both cars in park (or neutral for a manual) with parking brakes set, ignitions off. Confirm both are 12-volt systems (AAA).
  3. Clamp red to the dead battery's + terminal, then red to the good battery's +.
  4. Clamp black to the good battery's − terminal. Put the last black clamp on clean, unpainted metal on the dead car, away from the battery. Many cars have a grounding point for this (KBB).
  5. Start the good car and wait 3 to 5 minutes, then start yours (AAA).
  6. Remove the clamps in exact reverse order, then drive at least 20 minutes so the battery can recharge (Consumer Reports).
Watch out. Don't put the last black clamp on the dead battery itself. If either car is a hybrid or EV, check its manual first: AAA warns that using one to jump another car can damage its electronics (AAA).

If it doesn't work

  • Cranks slowly? Leave the good car running and charge about 5 more minutes, then try again (AAA).
  • Still dead after about three tries? The battery has likely failed. Wiggle the clamps for better contact, check for corrosion, and call for help (AAA).
  • One click and bright lights often points to the starter. Rapid clicking points to the battery. Starts, then dies after a drive? Have the alternator checked (AAA).

Good to know

Portable jump starters

A portable jump starter lets you start the car without a second vehicle. Consumer Reports says many cost under $100 and hold a charge for months, but you need to check and recharge them (Consumer Reports).

Where to keep one

Consumer Reports suggests storing a jump starter out of direct sun, for example in the glovebox or trunk (Consumer Reports).

Your manual comes first

Some cars have remote jump-start terminals or special instructions. Follow the owner's manual (Consumer Reports).

Hybrids and EVs

Hybrids and EVs have a regular 12-volt battery, and that's the only one you can jump. Never touch the high-voltage battery. Check the owner's manual for the right battery or jump terminals (AAA). Never use an EV or hybrid to jump another EV (AAA).

Sources

  1. AAA How to jump a battery and get yourself back on the road
  2. Consumer Reports How to jump-start a car with a dead battery
  3. Consumer Reports Jump starter buying guide
  4. Kelley Blue Book How to jump-start a car battery
  5. AAA Got hybrid questions?

Lesson H5.3 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed. See a mistake?