01Park, brake, locate terminals
Both cars off. Red clamp dead battery positive (+). Red clamp donor positive. Black clamp donor negative (-).
Black clamp dead car on unpainted engine metal — NOT battery negative. Away from battery.
Auto & Mechanics
Jump-Start a Dead Car Battery Safely
Jumper order, running donor, and when it's not the battery — 15 minutes
20 min3 photographed stepsBeginner
Roadside life hack done right: safety glasses optional, both off, red positive to dead then donor, black negative on donor then engine block on dead car (not battery), start donor 2 min, start dead, disconnect reverse order, drive 20 min to recharge. When it's alternator not battery.
What you'll learn
- Order: red dead+, red donor+, black donor-, black engine block dead car
- Never black-to-black on dead battery — spark near hydrogen
- Donor running 2 min before crank attempt
- Drive 20 min after — alternator recharges
Inside this course
- Connect safelyOrder matters.
- Pass criteriaKnow when to stop.
Full step-by-step lessons with photos unlock with a subscription.
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First steps from Connect safely
See how every step looks — photo, checklist, and pro tips included.
02Start and disconnect reverse
Start donor, wait 2 min. Start dead car. If fails, wait 5 min retry once.
Remove: black dead, black donor, red donor, red dead. Drive dead car 20 min highway if possible.
Pro tip. Corroded terminals — wiggle clamps for contact, don't touch both cars at once.
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