How to Hook Up Jumper Cables

Jump-start a dead battery safely using the correct red-to-positive, black-to-ground cable order.

1. Park the cars close and turn both off

   Position the working car nose-to-nose or beside the dead one, close enough for the cables to reach but not touching. Put both in Park, set the parking brakes, and switch off both ignitions.

2. Connect red to the dead battery's positive

   Clamp one red (positive) clip to the + terminal of the dead battery. Identify it by the red cover or a + symbol.

3. Connect the other red to the good battery's positive

   Attach the other red clip to the + terminal of the good (charged) battery. Keep the black clips clear of all metal while you do this.

4. Connect black to the good battery's negative, then black to bare metal on the dead car

   Clamp one black (negative) clip to the - terminal of the good battery. Attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal bolt or bracket on the dead car's engine block — NOT the dead battery's terminal. This keeps any spark away from battery gases.

5. Start, then remove cables in reverse order

   Start the good car and let it run a few minutes, then start the dead car. Once running, remove the cables in exact reverse: black from engine block, black from good battery, red from good battery, red from revived battery.