How to Jump Start a Car with a Dead Battery?
2 Answers
First, position the two cars close enough so that the jumper cables can reach both batteries' positive and negative terminals. Identify the positive and negative terminals on both batteries, then connect them using the cables—positive to positive and negative to negative. Turn off all auxiliary electrical devices in the car and start the vehicle with the functioning battery. Start the car with the dead battery as you normally would.
When my car battery is dead and won't start, the most common method is jump-starting: find a friend's car for help, with both engines off; connect the red jumper cable clamp to his battery's positive terminal and my battery's positive terminal; use the black jumper cable clamp to connect his negative terminal to a metal part of my car's frame (never clamp to my negative terminal to avoid sparks); have him start his engine and slightly rev it to maintain power; then I try to start my car, usually successfully. After starting, don't disconnect immediately—drive for a few minutes to charge. If it's a manual transmission, push-starting is also an option: get a few people to push the car while I sit inside, press the clutch, and shift into second gear. Once the car gains speed, release the clutch to let the engine turn over and start. However, this should only be attempted in an open area to avoid losing control and damaging the car. Safety first—it's recommended to keep a portable jump starter on hand, available online for just a few dozen yuan. Develop the habit of turning off lights and check the battery every six months.
