Steps to Jump-Start a Vehicle with a Dead Battery
A car with a dead battery is always an inconvenience. It seems to happen at the most inopportune moments. One solution is to have a portable jump-starter, which can charge your battery without assistance from another vehicle. However, most people reply on help from another vehicle to jump-start their car. Follow these steps to jump-start a vehicle with a dead battery with the help from a second vehicle.
Tips Before Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
Before you attempt to jump-start your vehicle, there are a few things you will want to check. Look at the battery to ensure it does not have any cracks or leaks. If it does, do not attempt to jump-start it. A new battery will have to be installed. If the battery is frozen or dry, do not jump-start it. If your vehicle has been having issues starting, you may want to consider having the battery tested. It is possible the battery is old and not holding a proper charge. You should also check the owner’s manual of the vehicle to ensure it is safe to jump-start it.
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Steps to Jump-Start a Dead Battery
Follow these steps the next time you need to jump-start a dead battery:
- Place the vehicle with the dead battery and the donor vehicle side-by-side and open the hoods. Turn on the parking brake for both vehicles.
- Attach the red, positive alligator clip to the positive terminal on the dead battery.
- Place the positive clip onto the positive terminal on the donor battery.
- Connect the black, negative clip to the negative terminal on the donor battery.
- Attach the final, negative clip to an unpainted metal part of the car with the dead battery. This should not be near the battery. A recommended spot is one of the struts holding the hood open.
- Start the donor car and allow it to idle for a few minutes.
- Test the lights in the vehicle with the dead battery. If the lights turn on, there may be enough of a charge to start the vehicle.
- Attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If the car starts, allow it to run for another 15-20 minutes. This will allow the battery to further charge. Consider taking the vehicle for a drive rather than let it idle.
- If the vehicle does not start after several minutes of charging, the battery may need to be replaced.
- Remove the clips in the opposite order in which they were placed on the vehicle.
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