The Correct Order to Use Booster (Jumper) Cables

Connect in this order: red clamp to the dead battery’s positive (+), red clamp to the donor battery’s positive (+), black clamp to the donor battery’s negative (–), black clamp to an unpainted metal ground on the dead vehicle. To remove, reverse that order: black from the ground on the formerly dead car, black from donor negative, red from donor positive, red from the formerly dead positive. This sequence minimizes sparks near the battery and protects electronics.

Before You Begin: Quick Safety Checks

These checks help prevent damage or injury and ensure you’re connecting the right systems in the right place before you attach any cables.

• Confirm both vehicles use a 12-volt system. Do not attempt to jump high-voltage hybrid/EV traction batteries; only the 12V accessory battery can be jumped.
• Inspect the dead battery for cracks, leaks, or heavy corrosion. If damaged or frozen, do not jump-start.
• Turn off ignitions, lights, and accessories in both vehicles; set parking brakes and put transmissions in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual).
• Locate the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals or manufacturer-designated jump-start posts; many modern cars require using remote posts instead of the battery lugs.
• Keep metal objects, loose jewelry, and moving parts (fans/belts) well clear. Wear eye protection if available.

If everything checks out, you’re ready to hook up the cables without risking sparks or reverse polarity errors that can damage vehicle electronics.

Connection Order (Using Another Vehicle or a Booster Pack)

This sequence limits the chance of sparking near the battery where hydrogen gas may be present, and it adheres to common automaker guidance. Perform the steps with both vehicles turned off before starting the donor.

1. Position vehicles close enough for cables to reach, but not touching. Set parking brakes and pop hoods.
2. Identify the positive (+) and negative (–) points or jump posts on both vehicles.
3. Attach the red (positive) clamp to the dead vehicle’s positive (+) terminal or positive jump post.
4. Attach the other red (positive) clamp to the donor vehicle’s positive (+) terminal/post.
5. Attach the black (negative) clamp to the donor vehicle’s negative (–) terminal/post.
6. Attach the remaining black (negative) clamp to a solid, unpainted metal ground on the dead vehicle (such as a clean engine lift point or chassis ground), away from the battery.
7. Start the donor vehicle and let it idle for 2–5 minutes to send charge to the dead battery.
8. Attempt to start the dead vehicle. If it doesn’t start, wait another 2–5 minutes and try again. Avoid cranking for more than 10–15 seconds at a time.

Grounding the final black clamp on bare metal away from the battery reduces the risk of igniting hydrogen gas emitted by charging batteries. If your owner’s manual specifies a different connection point (e.g., a dedicated negative post), follow that instruction.

Disconnection Order (The Reverse)

Removing the clamps in reverse keeps sparks away from the battery and prevents accidental shorting as you finish the jump-start.

1. Remove the black (negative) clamp from the grounded metal on the formerly dead vehicle.
2. Remove the black (negative) clamp from the donor vehicle’s negative (–) terminal/post.
3. Remove the red (positive) clamp from the donor vehicle’s positive (+) terminal/post.
4. Remove the red (positive) clamp from the formerly dead vehicle’s positive (+) terminal/post.

Keep the clamps from touching each other or any metal as you remove them, and stow the cables safely.

After the Jump: What to Do Next

Once the engine is running, a few follow-up steps help recharge the battery and verify the charging system is healthy.

• Let the engine run or drive for 20–30 minutes to replenish the battery. Avoid immediately shutting the engine off.
• Watch for battery/charging warning lights. If available, a quick check across the battery with a multimeter should read roughly 13.8–14.7V with the engine idling.
• If the battery is older than 3–5 years or the car struggles to restart later, have the battery load-tested and the charging system checked.
• Repeated dead-battery episodes may indicate a parasitic drain, failing alternator, or corroded/loose terminals.

These steps help ensure the issue was just a discharged battery and not a deeper charging-system fault.

Special Cases and Cautions

Some vehicles have unique requirements; following the owner’s manual is always the safest bet.

• Hybrids and EVs: Only jump the 12V accessory battery. Never connect to orange high-voltage cables or components. Some EVs can accept a jump but are not recommended as donors.
• Start-stop systems (AGM/EFB batteries): Use designated jump posts. Avoid voltage spikes; don’t rev excessively.
• Portable lithium jump packs: Use the same clamp order. Confirm polarity before powering the pack; many packs have reverse-polarity protection and an on/off or “boost” button.
• Frozen or visibly damaged batteries: Do not jump. Move the vehicle to a warmer area or replace the battery to avoid rupture or explosion.
• Hydrogen gas hazard: Keep sparks, cigarettes, and open flames away from batteries at all times.

When in doubt, consult the vehicle manual or seek roadside assistance to prevent costly damage or injury.

If the Car Still Won’t Start

Failure to start after a proper jump often points to connection issues or non-battery faults.

• Rapid clicking or dim lights: Recheck clamp connections and corrosion; allow more charging time; ensure the donor battery is strong.
• No dash lights/power: Verify a solid ground and fuse links; the dead battery may be beyond recovery.
• Engine cranks but won’t fire: Likely fuel/ignition issue rather than battery; consider diagnostics.
• Alarm/immobilizer triggered: Lock/unlock doors with the key fob and try again.

If problems persist, testing the battery, alternator, and starter circuit is the next step.

Summary

Connect cables in this order: red to dead +, red to donor +, black to donor –, black to bare metal on the dead vehicle. Remove in reverse. Keep both vehicles off while connecting, start the donor first, and ground away from the battery to minimize sparks. Follow your owner’s manual, use designated jump posts when provided, and verify the charging system after the engine is running.

Is there an order for putting on jumper cables?

Make sure you have followed these steps in proper order: red clip from booster cable to positive terminals, then black clip from booster cable to negative terminals. Once all connections are made, start up your working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes before attempting to start your dead battery’s engine.

What is the correct order of jumper cables?

To connect jumper cables correctly, attach the red (positive) clamps to the positive terminals of both batteries (dead first, then good), then attach the black (negative) clamps to the negative terminal of the good battery and an unpainted metal component (a “ground”) on the dead car. Remove them in the reverse order: first, the black clamp from the metal ground, then the black clamp from the good battery’s negative terminal, followed by the red clamps. 
Connecting the Cables

1. Red to Dead Battery (+): Opens in new tabConnect the first red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. 
2. Red to Good Battery (+): Opens in new tabConnect the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery in the working vehicle. 
3. Black to Good Battery (-): Opens in new tabConnect the first black clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery. 
4. Black to Metal Ground: Opens in new tabConnect the final black clamp to an unpainted, non-moving metal component on the engine block or chassis of the vehicle with the dead battery. This avoids sparks near the battery, which can be a fire hazard due to gases it may release. 

This video demonstrates the entire process of connecting jumper cables, including the final grounding step: 56sLes SchwabYouTube · May 23, 2017
Starting the Vehicles

1. Start the Working Vehicle: Start the car with the good battery and let it run for several minutes to allow the battery to charge. 
2. Start the Stalled Vehicle: Attempt to start the car with the dead battery. 
3. Allow for Charging: If the car starts, let both vehicles run for at least 30 minutes to allow the alternator to fully charge the battery. 

Disconnecting the Cables (Reverse Order) 

1. Black from Metal Ground: Disconnect the black clamp from the unpainted metal component on the dead car. 
2. Black from Good Battery (-): Disconnect the black clamp from the negative terminal of the good battery. 
3. Red from Good Battery (+): Disconnect the red clamp from the positive terminal of the good battery. 
4. Red from Dead Battery (+): Disconnect the red clamp from the positive terminal of the dead battery. 

What order do you take out jumper cables?

Disconnect Jumper Cables in Correct Order
Here’s how to disconnect cables after jumping a car: Disconnect the black negative clamp from the jumped car. Next, disconnect the black negative clamp from the booster car. Then, disconnect the red positive clamp from the booster car.

Which order to connect booster cables?

Chronology of steps to follow

1. Connect a red jumper cable clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
2. Connect the other red cable clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the working battery.
3. Connect a black cable clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the working battery.