Jump-start a dead battery safely
Jumper cables seem easy until they’re connected the wrong way. Get it right and you skip the sparks, the fried electronics, and a tow you never needed.
What you'll learn
- Red first, black second: the clamp order explained
- Last clamp on bare metal, never the dead battery
- When a jump-pack beats a cable-to-cable jump
- Alternator trouble: when a jump won’t help
Step by step
- Bring the donor car near enough that the cables reach. Turn both cars OFF.
- Clamp RED to POSITIVE (+) on the dead battery.
- Clamp RED to POSITIVE (+) on the donor battery.
- Clamp BLACK to NEGATIVE (−) on the donor battery.
- On the dead car, the BLACK clamp goes on exposed engine block metal, not the battery.
- Get the donor car running and give it 2 minutes. Then start the dead car and keep it running for 10 minutes before you drive anywhere.
If the engine cranks slowly or quits again within an hour, the battery or alternator is done. A second jump won’t help. Get a tow to a shop.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Need a tow or roadside help anywhere in San Diego County? Call any hour of the day or night, and someone will pick up.
Keep learning.
How to change a flat tire
Start by checking that your spot is safe, firm and level. If it isn’t, keep your seatbelt on unless you see fire or smoke, and call for help.
What to do when stuck in sand or mud
Ocean Beach, Fiesta Island, and the Carrizo Badlands swallow vehicles every week. Your first job is to keep the situation from getting worse.
Prepare your vehicle for a tow
Spend a few minutes getting ready before the truck shows up, and you’ll save time, prevent damage, and keep the whole call moving.