Preparing to Connect the Jumper Cables
Before connecting the jumper cables to their respective battery terminals, it is critical to ensure that the metal part of the cables do not come into contact with anything metal on the vehicle. This is tougher to do than it appears: Most of the metal is found under the hood.
To jump-start an automobile if only two persons are present, one individual holds the ends of the cable wires securely apart while the other individual passes between both the vehicles, making the necessary connections. A vehicle can be jumped by one person, but it needs close supervision.
If at all feasible, consult your vehicle's owner's handbook to determine the proper sequence in which to attach the jumper wires.
There may be some differences between various automobile manufacturers. The following is the procedure for jump-starting an automobile that is widely accepted.
Purchase a reliable set of jumper wires and keep them in your vehicle. The wires should be sturdy and well-insulated, with clean metal clamps and enough insulation. Sometimes the cables are included with a diagram that will remind you of the exact sequence in which to join them together.
Hooking Up Jumper Cables
Lift the hood of both vehicles and look under the hood for the battery and all its connections. Sometimes the battery itself is concealed, and distant the positive and the negative posts are provided for jump-starting purposes instead of the battery itself. Even if you have access to the battery, some cars have a remotely negative connection that you must disconnect.
Keeping the battery position in mind, park the car with the good battery near to the vehicle with the dead battery. Allow just enough space between the two vehicles to walk.
Ensure that the metal ends of the jumper cables do not sag over the engine, you could get trapped on moving elements such as a belt outside the car, from which they could harm the paint, while you are connecting the jumper wires.
Stopping both cars and putting them in park. Turn off all your accessories, including your lights and radio. Make sure that the cars are parked in a secure location and that the danger flashers are turned off.
Connect one of the positive cable ends to the positive battery terminal of the dead battery. Make certain that the clamp "bite" into the battery terminal to establish a solid electrical connection to the battery.
If there is rust on the terminals, rotate the jaws until the clamp slices through the rust and into the metal, then remove the clamp.
To establish connections in the second car, make sure the corresponding negative (black) cable clip is not in contact with any metal surfaces before transferring to the other car.
The end of the positive cable should be secured to the positive car that is boosting. Make sure the see plus sign is shown beside the battery terminal once more. Attach the negative end to the negative battery terminal on the vehicle that will act as the booster car.
Having attached the negative cable to the battery you may now connect the other end of the wire to an uncoated metal location of the automobile that has a dead battery to complete the circuit.
If a remote negative terminal with a label is available, take advantage of it. This will offer a firm base while also lowering the chance of sparking even more significantly.
Double Check The Jumper Cables
Perform a last inspection to ensure that the jumper wires are not in close proximity to any working engine parts before starting the booster car. Allow it to run for several minutes to build up enough charge to jump-start the other vehicle's dead battery.
When your dead battery is brand new and has been completely depleted as a result of the car lights being kept on for a lengthy period, it will most likely start right away.
Your car’s battery is old or if the car has been sitting without starting for an extended period it could take more time may for the battery to recharge and the car to start.
It may be necessary to ramp the engine of the booster vehicle a little to expedite the procedure on some occasions.
Additional Issues
Starting the car when the battery is dead letting both vehicles run for about five minutes. Check for additional issues, such as a low gas tank or a faulty starter if the car won't start but cranks fast when it does.
Once the vehicle that has been jump-started is running smoothly, gently detach the jumper cables by reversing the sequence in which they were connected.
The first wire you disconnect (the negative cable that was previously connected to the once dead battery) is by far the most important one to remove. While you are disconnecting the other cable ends, make sure your assistant keeps the cord clear of any metal.
Charge Time
Driving the automobile after it has been jumped for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the alternator to replenish the battery. Before you turn off the engine, make sure you are in a safe location since, depending on the state of the battery or the quality of your car’s alternator, the car may need to be jumped again.
Jumping an Old Battery
When you jump-start an old battery, you should consider getting it checked at an auto store. The vehicle should have an inspection if there were any issues with the vehicle that contributed to the dead battery.
