How to Use Standard Jumper Cables

Step 1: Line up the cars so the jumper cables will reach both batteries. Make sure both cars are shifted into park with the parking brake applied.

Step 2: Turn off both cars.

Step 3: Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both of the car batteries. They should be clearly marked – so if you can’t find the symbols indicating positive and negative, try cleaning off some of the caked-on crud from around the terminals. Clean off any battery acid that may have leaked around the terminals. Note: If the battery is visibly cracked or leaking, STOP HERE. The risk of explosion is too high. Instead, go buy a new car battery and swap it out with the old one.

Step 4: Connect the cables. Generally the positive (+) battery cable is red and the negative (-), or ground cable, is black. But you should always double-check to make sure. Connect the cables in the following order:

• Connect one end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) post on the good car battery
• Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) post of the dead battery
• Connect one end of the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) post on the good car battery
• Connect the other end of the negative (-) cable to an area of unpainted metal on the dead car. This could be a bolt, part of the engine block, or the body frame. DO NOT connect it to the negative (-) post on the dead battery

Step 5: Start the vehicle with the good car battery and let it run for a minute to build up power. Now attempt to start the car with the dead battery. In some cases, it will jump start immediately while others will take a few minutes to generate enough of a charge. Do not turn off the car to remove the cables as you run the risk of the car dying again. For best results, drive the car for at least 30 minutes (the longer the better) before turning it off – this allows the battery time to recharge itself.

Using an Auto Jumper

If you’re using a jumpstarting device, such as the Energizer jump starter, you can jump your battery from anywhere and without the help of another vehicle. This is the same type of battery starter used by roadside assistance workers, so you know it gets the job done. Whether you’re using performance batteries or a lightweight battery, follow these simple steps to revive your battery:

Step 1:Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) post on your battery

Step 2:Connect the black negative (-) cable to the negative (-) post on your battery

Step 3:Turn on the auto jump starter

Step 4:Allow jump starter to run for a few minutes before starting the car

Step 5:Keep the car running while you remove the cables for at least 30 minutes