How to Jump-Start a Car in 5 Clear Steps

The five steps are: prepare both vehicles safely; connect jumper cables red-to-positive and black-to-ground; start the donor vehicle and let it run; start the disabled car; then disconnect in reverse order and drive to recharge. Below, we explain each step, plus safety tips and what to do if the engine still won’t turn over. These guidelines apply to most modern 12‑volt, negative‑ground gasoline vehicles; always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.

The 5 Essential Steps to Jump-Start a Car

The sequence below minimizes sparks and protects sensitive electronics while giving the dead battery enough support to crank the engine. Have a set of quality jumper cables (or a jump pack) and ensure both vehicles are on a safe, flat surface.

1. Prepare and position safely: Park the running (donor) vehicle nose-to-nose with the disabled car without the vehicles touching. Engage parking brakes, put transmissions in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual), turn off both ignitions and all accessories (lights, HVAC, infotainment), and open both hoods.
2. Connect the red (positive) clamps: Attach one red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Attach the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the donor battery or designated under-hood jump post.
3. Connect the black (negative) clamps correctly: Attach one black clamp to the negative (–) terminal of the donor battery. Attach the remaining black clamp to a solid, unpainted metal ground on the disabled car—such as a clean engine bolt or chassis ground point—away from the battery and moving parts.
4. Energize and start: Start the donor vehicle and let it run for 2–5 minutes to feed charge into the dead battery. Then attempt to start the disabled car. If it doesn’t start, wait another 2–3 minutes; a gentle donor engine idle at 1,500–2,000 rpm can help.
5. Disconnect in reverse and keep driving: With both engines running, remove cables in the reverse order—first the black clamp from the grounded metal on the once‑dead car, then the black from the donor negative, then the red from the donor positive, and finally the red from the previously dead battery. Keep the revived car running and drive 15–30 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

Following this order reduces the chance of sparking near the battery and helps protect onboard electronics. A solid post-jump drive helps the battery recover; frequent stalls afterward can indicate a weak battery or charging-system issue.

Safety Essentials and Common Mistakes

Jump-starting involves high current and potential hydrogen gas around the battery. These precautions reduce risk of injury and prevent damage to modern electrical systems.

• Do not connect the final black clamp to the dead battery’s negative terminal; use an unpainted metal ground on the disabled car instead.
• Check for hazards: Never jump a cracked, leaking, smoking, or frozen battery. If you see corrosion, fumes, or swelling, stop and call for service.
• Match systems: Only jump 12‑volt systems. Avoid using or jump-starting hybrids/EVs unless the owner’s manual explicitly allows it and shows correct posts.
• Avoid cable contact: Keep clamps and cables clear of belts, fans, and engine components; never let red and black clamps touch.
• Follow the manual: Many vehicles (especially those with start/stop, AGM batteries, or remote under‑hood posts) require specific connection points.
• Use quality gear: Heavy‑gauge cables (4‑ to 6‑gauge) or a reputable jump pack improve success and reduce heat at the clamps.

These basics prevent sparks, protect sensitive modules, and ensure the maximum current reaches the starter when you turn the key.

If the Car Still Won’t Start

If the engine doesn’t crank after a few attempts, the issue may be more than a depleted battery. Work through the quick checks below before calling for a tow.

• Wait longer: Allow 5–10 minutes of donor charging and try again.
• Check connections: Ensure clamps bite clean metal and terminals aren’t caked with corrosion.
• Assess symptoms: Rapid clicking often signals insufficient voltage; no sound may indicate a bad starter, blown main fuse, or poor ground.
• Try a different source: A stronger donor vehicle or a high‑output jump pack can make the difference.
• Consider component failure: An aging battery (3–5+ years), alternator, or parasitic drain might be at fault—get a load test and charging-system check.

Persistent failure after solid connections and adequate charging time points to a failing battery or a deeper electrical or starter problem that needs professional diagnosis.

When Not to Jump-Start

Some situations call for caution or an alternate plan to avoid injury or damage.

• Hybrids and EVs: Do not attempt to jump the high‑voltage system; only follow the manufacturer’s 12‑volt procedure. Many EV makers advise against using the EV as a donor.
• Damaged or frozen batteries: Visible damage, leaks, or temperatures well below freezing can make a battery unsafe to charge or jump.
• Unknown voltages: Commercial trucks and some imports may use 24‑volt systems—do not mix with 12‑volt cars.

In these edge cases, roadside assistance or a professional technician is the safer option.

Summary

To jump-start a car safely: prepare both vehicles, connect red-to-positive and black-to-ground, run the donor briefly, start the disabled car, then disconnect in reverse and drive to recharge. Use proper grounding, avoid sparks, and follow vehicle-specific guidance—especially for hybrids and EVs. If the engine still won’t start after correct procedure and adequate charging, the battery or charging system likely needs professional attention.

How do you jumpstart step by step?

1. Step 1: Park the second vehicle close to the one that needs a jump.
2. Step 2: Locate the battery terminals.
3. Step 3: Connect the cables to the battery terminals.
4. Step 4: Start your engine.
5. Step 5: Disconnect the jumper cables.

In what order should I jump start?

To jump-start a car, the jumper cable connection order is crucial for safety. Connect the red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery first, then the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the working (donor) battery. Next, connect the black clamp to the negative terminal of the working battery, and finally, connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car’s engine block away from the battery. Disconnect the cables in the reverse order.
 
Connecting the Jumper Cables

1. Red to Dead Battery: Connect the red (positive) clamp of the jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the car with the dead battery. 
2. Red to Donor Battery: Connect the other red (positive) clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the car with the working battery. 
3. Black to Donor Battery: Connect the black (negative) clamp to the negative terminal (-) of the car with the working battery. 
4. Black to Ground: Connect the final black (negative) clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the car with the dead battery, away from the battery itself. 

Starting and Disconnecting

1. Start the Working Car: Start the engine of the vehicle with the good (donor) battery and let it run for a few minutes. 
2. Start the Dead Car: Try to start the engine of the car with the dead battery. 
3. Disconnect in Reverse Order: Once the dead car’s engine is running, disconnect the cables in the following reverse order: 
   • Black clamp from the engine block. 
   • Black clamp from the donor vehicle’s negative terminal. 
   • Red clamp from the donor vehicle’s positive terminal. 
   • Red clamp from the dead battery. 

This video demonstrates the proper way to jump start a car: 58sAAA Connect Video Hub | Auto Club GroupYouTube · Sep 23, 2024
Important Safety Tips

• Ensure both cars are turned off and the parking brakes are engaged. 
• Make sure the cars are close enough to reach but not touching. 
• Avoid contact between the positive and negative cables to prevent sparks. 
• If the dead car doesn’t start after a few tries, there may be a more serious issue requiring a mechanic. 

What are the 5 steps to jumpstart a car?

How to Use Jumper Cables to Start a Car

1. Step 1: Park the Cars Safely.
2. Step 2: Turn Both Cars Off.
3. Step 3: Find the Battery Terminals.
4. Step 4: Connect the Red Jumper Cable Clamps.
5. Step 5: Connect the Black Jumper Cable Clamps.
6. Step 6: Jump-Start the Car.
7. Step 7: Disconnect the Black Cable Clamps.

What’s the correct order for jump starting a car?

Battery. Make sure the jumper cables aren’t near any moving parts like a belt or fan. Start the car with a good battery. And let it run for a few minutes. Try starting the car with the dead battery.