QA

Quick Answer: Where To 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.

Where do you attach jump 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.

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.

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.

Is it bad to jump start a car?

Jump-starting your own car can be hazardous. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid that can become vapors, leaking out of vents. These vapors can be highly flammable. Jumper cables are known to cause sparks and can ignite these vapors, causing fires or even possibly an explosion.

Where do you connect negative jump lead?

Connect the black jump lead Take the black jump lead and attach it to the negative (-) terminal on the working battery. Then attach the other end to an earthing point (unpainted metal on the engine block or chassis) well away from the flat battery and fuel system.

Do you hook up red or black 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.

What happens if I connect jumper cables wrong?

Blown fuses / fusible links 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.

When jumping a car which cable do you disconnect 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.

Do you remove jumper cables while car is on?

Step 10: Disconnect the black jumper cables first, then disconnect the red ones. Once the dead car is running, you may disconnect the jumper cables, starting with the black, negative cable clamps. Do not let the clamps touch each other while any part of the cables is still attached to a car.

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.

How do you connect jumper cables to a 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. Carefully connect the other black-end clamp to some large metallic part of your car’s engine block. Never connect it to the negative (-) post of the “dead” battery.

Can jump-starting damage alternator?

Jump start your car correctly When this happens, the safest way to perform this is with a battery jump box. These boxes enable the jumpstart to occur with no risk of damage to the starter or alternator.

Is it bad to jump start a car multiple times?

How many times can a car battery be jump-started? It’s OK to jump-start a battery using another car once, but you shouldn’t try to crank it more than three or four times in a row if the dead car isn’t starting, according to Pep Boys. If the dead car isn’t starting, then it could possibly need more time to charge.

Is it OK to jump start modern cars?

Modern vehicles can usually be jumpstarted but it’s a high risk job and mistakes can be costly. If you are in any doubt, contact us and we’ll send an expert. Only use quality jumper leads with spike protection, or a jump start pack. Don’t attempt to jumpstart a damaged 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.