What is the correct method for connecting jumper cables?
2 Answers
The correct method for connecting jumper cables is: 1. Clamp the red cable to the red positive terminal of the "disabled vehicle" battery; 2. Clamp the other end of the red cable to the red positive terminal of the "rescue vehicle" battery; 3. Clamp the black cable to the black negative terminal of the "disabled vehicle" battery; 4. Then clamp the black cable to the black negative terminal of the "rescue vehicle" battery; 5. Start the engine of the "rescue vehicle" first, then start the engine of the "disabled vehicle". Precautions for using jumper cables include: 1. Check the labeled voltage of both batteries to ensure they are the same; 2. Turn off all electrical loads in the vehicles, shift to neutral, engage the parking brake, and then start the engine.
I've taught this to many people, the key is to ensure safety and avoid making basic mistakes. Make sure all vehicles are turned off and all electrical devices are switched off. First, attach the red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery, usually marked with a plus sign; then attach the other end to the positive terminal of the live battery. Next, attach the black clamp to the negative terminal of the live battery, the one marked with a minus sign; finally, the black clamp must be attached to a metal part of the dead car's engine, never to the negative terminal, to prevent the accumulated hydrogen gas in the battery from causing an explosion. After the live car is started, let it run for three to five minutes to allow the power to gradually transfer, then try starting the dead car. Once successful, remove the cables in reverse order: first the black grounding clamp, then the black negative, red live, and red dead. Remember to keep the cables untangled to avoid the risk of a short circuit. Be careful throughout the process, especially in damp conditions. Practice a few times and you'll get the hang of it—the key is to avoid sparks and protect the electronic systems.
