How to Connect Jumper Cables?
2 Answers
The method for connecting jumper cables is as follows: 1. Positive terminal: The red cable clamp is attached to the red positive terminal of the dead battery, and the other end is also clamped to the red positive terminal of the booster vehicle's battery. Therefore, the red cable is the positive connection. 2. Negative terminal: The black cable clamp is attached to the black negative terminal of the dead battery, and the other end must also be connected to the black negative terminal of the booster vehicle's battery. Black represents the negative connection. 3. Start the engine: First, start the engine of the booster vehicle, then start the engine of the dead vehicle. The method for disconnecting the cables is as follows: Remove the black cable first, then the red cable; disconnect from the dead vehicle first, then from the booster vehicle.
When connecting jumper cables, I recommend following the steps carefully to avoid risks. First, turn off the engines of both vehicles to ensure safety. Attach the red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery, usually marked with a red cover or a plus sign. Then, attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery. Next, connect the black clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery. Here’s the key: Do not attach the other end of the black clamp to the negative terminal of the dead battery. Instead, connect it to an unpainted metal part of the dead car, such as the engine block or chassis, to prevent sparks and short circuits. Start the engine of the good car and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery. Then, try starting the dead car. If it starts, let it run for a while before turning it off. When removing the cables, reverse the order: First, remove the black clamp from the metal part, then the black clamp from the good battery, followed by the red clamp from the good battery, and finally the red clamp from the dead battery. Move steadily and avoid rushing during the entire process, as a short circuit can generate high current, potentially causing burns or damaging the wiring. Always store the jumper cables properly and regularly check the clamps for rust—copper clamps are preferable. In winter, batteries are more prone to dying, so preventive measures can save trouble later.
