Chapter 19

How to Jump Start Your Vehicle

For starters, no smoking. Also, no open flames or sparks near either vehicle.

• Check the vehicle's voltage. New vehicles generally have 12 volt systems, but if you come across one with a different system, such as a 6 volt system, do not try and jump it with a 12 volt battery or vice versa.
• Make certain the vehicles are not touching each other and that your jumper cables are of adequate length.
• Make certain battery terminals are clean. If the terminals are corroded, you will not get a good connection and the jump might fail. Also note that corroded terminals may keep your vehicle's alternator from doing its job, which may be why you need a jump in the first place.
• If the terminals are corroded try cleaning them with a mixture of baking soda and water.
• Do not let the cables touch each other.
• Connect the positive (generally red) cable to the positive terminals (+) on each battery. Then connect the negative (generally black) cable to the negative (-) terminal on the good battery. Finally, connect the negative (-) cable to a metal part of the dead vehicle's frame or engine block. This serves as a ground connection. Do not make the final connection to the dead battery's negative (-) terminal as this could cause a spark.
• Start the good vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes.
• Start the vehicle with the dead battery and as soon as it starts remove the cables immediately. If it will not start and you hear a clicking noise it probably means that not enough electricity is getting through the cables.
• Keep in mind that jumper cables come in all different gauges and a heavier gauge set of jumper cables will carry more electricity and provide a greater chance of successfully jump starting your vehicle.
• After you get the dead vehicle going it is a good idea to drive it for at least 30-45 minutes to recharge the battery.