QA

How Do You Properly Connect Jumper Cables

Connect one red clamp to the positive (+) battery post of the “dead” battery. Connect the other red clamp to the positive (+) post of the good battery. Connect one black-end clamp to the negative (-) post of the good battery.

When using jumper cables which goes on first?

Attach the red jumper cables first. Start by clamping one red cable to the positive side of the battery that won’t start. Then attach the other red clamp to the positive side of the working battery. Next, clamp one black cable to the negative side of the working battery.

Why don’t you connect the negative when jumping a car?

Quick Tips: Jumping a Battery Never connect the black cable to the negative (–) terminal on your dead battery. This is very dangerous, as it could result in an explosion.

Which battery terminal do you connect first when jumping?

Remember, when connecting the positive cables to the batteries, you should always start by connecting the dead battery first. If you feed energy into the cables before they are connected to your battery, you can cause a safety hazard.

What happens if you connect the jumper cables wrong?

Fuses (and/or fusible links) act as circuit protection devices between the battery and the vehicle’s electrical system. Connecting the jumper cables backwards will often result in one or more blown fuses. The affected circuit will not function correctly until the blown fuse is replaced.

How long do you leave jumper cables connected?

Wait two minutes as you turn on the engine. Wait an additional two minutes after turning on the dead one. You can let the car run for two more minutes if you remove the cable in the reverse order you put it on.

Do you connect both jumper cables?

The safest order to attach the jumper cables is as follows: Attach one red jumper cable clamp to the positive terminal on the dead battery. Attach the other end of the same cable, the second red jumper cable clamp, to the positive terminal on the working (live) car battery.

What happens if you connect the negative terminal first?

It is only a safety issue. If you first connect the negative cable, then when you connect the positive cable there is a chance the wrench will complete a circuit between the battery and the chassis of the car. This will at a minimum generate a spark, but that spark could eject molten metal toward you causing injury.

When jumping a car do you put positive or negative on first?

Disconnect the cables in the reverse order: First remove the negative cable from the car you jumped, then the negative cable from the car with the good battery. Then remove the positive cable from the car with the good battery (don’t touch a grounded part of either car with the clamp of the positive cable).

How do you use jumper cables to start a dead car?

Turn off the ignition on both cars. First, clamp one end of the positive cable to the dead battery’s positive clamp. Now have a helper connect the other end of that cable to the other battery’s positive clamp. Next, connect the negative cable to the negative terminal on the good battery.

What happens if you connect negative to positive?

Connecting the positive terminal of each battery to the negative terminal of the other battery will result in a huge surge of electrical current between the two batteries. The heat can melt internal and external battery parts, while the pressure from the hydrogen gas can crack the battery casing.

Can you mess up your car by giving someone a jump start?

Most of the time, giving someone else’s vehicle a jump start won’t damage your car. They’d take charge of your battery but you could recharge that by simply using your car. If the jumpstart is successful, there is really no serious damage that the donor car gets.

Why does my battery smoke when I jump it?

If there is too high amperage being transferred with the cables, that can melt the insulation and cause smoke. If they are transferring that much power, disconnect them and let them cool, since you’re pulling that amount of DC current off the running car and it’s battery, which is also a bad thing.

Can you leave jumper cables on too long?

Jumper cables: You should always keep a handy pair of jumper cables in your car. They can come in varying lengths, normally 10-20 feet. While longer cables can reach farther, you risk losing power as the energy travels along the extra length. Ensure that the cables you use are not rusted, frayed or damaged.

Do you turn off car before disconnecting jumper cables?

This can result in a very dangerous electrical arcing situation that can cause damage to people and vehicles. Don’t let your jumper cables hang loose around the engine. They can potentially interfere with moving parts. Make sure both cars are off with the keys removed before connecting the cables.

How long should you let a car run after jumping the battery?

If your car does start, let it run for a few minutes to help charge the battery further. Unhook the clamps in the reverse order of how you put them on. Be sure to drive your car for about 30 minutes before stopping again so the battery can continue to charge. Otherwise, you might need another jump start.

Which is positive and negative on jumper cables?

There are also positive and negative cables in the jumper cable set. The red one is positive (+), the black one is negative (-). Never connect the red cable to the negative battery terminal or a vehicle with a dead battery.