Follow Safe Jumper Cable Connection Sequence

Description

This standard procedure uses jumper cables and a running vehicle to provide power to a dead battery, emphasizing the correct connection order to prevent sparks and damage.

Recipe/Instructions

1. Position Vehicles: Park the working vehicle close enough for the jumper cables to reach both batteries, but ensure the vehicles are not touching. Turn off both engines and remove keys.
2. Identify Terminals: Open both hoods and locate the batteries. Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each. Clean terminals if heavily corroded.
3. Connect Cables (Order is CRITICAL):
   • Attach one RED clamp to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the DEAD battery.
   • Attach the other RED clamp to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the GOOD (live) battery.
   • Attach one BLACK clamp to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the GOOD battery.
   • Attach the final BLACK clamp to an UNPAINTED METAL SURFACE on the DEAD car's engine block or chassis (e.g., a bolt or bracket), away from the battery and moving parts. This is the ground connection and completing the circuit here minimizes sparks near the battery.
4. Start Working Car: Start the engine of the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery slightly.
5. Start Dead Car: Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it starts, let both cars run for several minutes.
6. Disconnect Cables (Reverse Order): Carefully remove the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of connection:
   • Black clamp from the grounded metal surface on the dead car.
   • Black clamp from the good battery's negative terminal.
   • Red clamp from the good battery's positive terminal.
   • Red clamp from the (formerly) dead battery's positive terminal.
7. Drive Dead Car: Drive the jump-started car for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

What makes the Dish Special

N/A - Emphasizes the specific, safe connection and disconnection order to prevent dangerous sparks near potentially flammable battery gases and protect vehicle electronics.