Jump-start a vehicle

Tools & materials

Preparation

• Confirm both systems use the same nominal voltage and identify approved jump points.

Step by step

1. 01Switch both vehicles off and separate them so they do not touch.
2. 02Connect red to the disabled vehicle’s positive jump point, then red to donor positive.
3. 03Connect black to donor negative, then the final black clamp to the disabled vehicle’s approved ground point away from the battery.
4. 04Start the donor or enable the jump pack, wait briefly, then attempt the disabled vehicle for only the maker-approved duration.
5. 05Once running, remove clamps in exact reverse order without letting them touch.

What success looks like

The engine starts normally and charging-system warnings remain off.

Common mistakes

• Reversing clamps
• Making the final connection at the dead battery
• Repeated long cranking
• Assuming every no-start is a battery

Call a professional

Call for help when approved jump points are unclear, the battery is damaged, or the vehicle repeatedly dies.