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4. Connect the Jumper Cables Correctly and Safely i) Connect one clamp of the positive (red) cable to the dead battery’s positive terminal. ii) Connect the other red clamp to the positive post of the working battery. iii) Attach one clamp of the negative (black) cable to the negative post of the working battery.
Where do you connect jumpstart cables?
The safest order to attach the jumper cables is as follows: Attach one red jumper cable clamp to the positive terminal on the dead battery. Attach the other end of the same cable, the second red jumper cable clamp, to the positive terminal on the working (live) car battery.
Why shouldn’t you connect the negative terminal?
Why can’t you connect the black jumper cable to the dead battery’s negative (–) terminal? This is so you can avoid sparks from occurring near the battery where flammable hydrogen gas may be present, resulting in a possible explosion.
Which battery terminal do you connect first when jumping?
Remember, when connecting the positive cables to the batteries, you should always start by connecting the dead battery first. If you feed energy into the cables before they are connected to your battery, you can cause a safety hazard.
Do you put jumper cables on the running car first?
Do You Hook Up Red or Black Jumper Cables First? Once the two vehicles are in place, turn off both and open the hoods. Attach the red jumper cables first. Start by clamping one red cable to the positive side of the battery that won’t start.
How long do you leave jumper cables connected?
Wait two minutes as you turn on the engine. Wait an additional two minutes after turning on the dead one. You can let the car run for two more minutes if you remove the cable in the reverse order you put it on.
How do you jump a car without a negative terminal?
If you can’t access the negative terminal on the dead car, it’s not a problem. In fact, when jump starting a vehicle, experts recommend connecting the negative clamp to a metal ground instead of the negative terminal of the dead battery. Use an unpainted metal part of the engine block.
Why do you ground the negative jumper cable?
The reason for connecting the negative cable to ground rather than to the negative terminal of the dead battery is to minimize the chances of a spark near the battery, where there may be potentially explosive gasses. Disconnect the cables and attempt to start the car with the bad battery.
Where do you put negative jump lead?
Connect the black jump lead Take the black jump lead and attach it to the negative (-) terminal on the working battery. Then attach the other end to an earthing point (unpainted metal on the engine block or chassis) well away from the flat battery and fuel system.
How do you connect jumper cables to a dead battery?
Connect the other red clamp to the positive (+) post of the good battery. Connect one black-end clamp to the negative (-) post of the good battery. Carefully connect the other black-end clamp to some large metallic part of your car’s engine block. Never connect it to the negative (-) post of the “dead” battery.
When jumping a car which cable do you disconnect first?
Disconnect the cables in the reverse order: First remove the negative cable from the car you jumped, then the negative cable from the car with the good battery. Then remove the positive cable from the car with the good battery (don’t touch a grounded part of either car with the clamp of the positive cable).
How do you use jumper cables to start a dead car?
Turn off the ignition on both cars. First, clamp one end of the positive cable to the dead battery’s positive clamp. Now have a helper connect the other end of that cable to the other battery’s positive clamp. Next, connect the negative cable to the negative terminal on the good battery.
Do I turn my car off before removing jumper cables?
This can result in a very dangerous electrical arcing situation that can cause damage to people and vehicles. Don’t let your jumper cables hang loose around the engine. They can potentially interfere with moving parts. Make sure both cars are off with the keys removed before connecting the cables.
How long should I run my car after a jump start?
If your car does start, let it run for a few minutes to help charge the battery further. Unhook the clamps in the reverse order of how you put them on. Be sure to drive your car for about 30 minutes before stopping again so the battery can continue to charge. Otherwise, you might need another jump start.
Can you take jumper cables off while the car is running?
The jumper cables can be disconnected once the car is running. The cables are still attached to the car, so don’t let the clamps touch each other.
Is it bad to jump start a car?
Jump-starting your own car can be hazardous. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid that can become vapors, leaking out of vents. These vapors can be highly flammable. Jumper cables are known to cause sparks and can ignite these vapors, causing fires or even possibly an explosion.
Can you leave jumper cables on too long?
Jumper cables: You should always keep a handy pair of jumper cables in your car. They can come in varying lengths, normally 10-20 feet. While longer cables can reach farther, you risk losing power as the energy travels along the extra length. Ensure that the cables you use are not rusted, frayed or damaged.
Can jumpstarting a car damage yours?
Most of the time, giving someone else’s vehicle a jump start won’t damage your car. They’d take charge of your battery but you could recharge that by simply using your car. If the jumpstart is successful, there is really no serious damage that the donor car gets.
