Most car owners will face a dead battery sooner or later if you leave the lights on or the battery is old.If you ever find yourself in a situation like that, this is a great place to start.
Step 1: The battery needs to be the problem.
The headlights should be checked.Are they bright or dim?To test the headlights in some cars, you will need to turn the ignition on.It's likely your battery is the culprit if they are dim.A jump start won't help if your headlights are bright.When trying to open the door from the outside, make sure that the doors will open when you push the button on the key, the interior lights will work, and the clock or gps will move.Put the key in the car to see if the dashboard lights up.You can test the stereo.Even with a low battery, you should get some sound out of the stereo and dashboard lights.If you don't get a flicker out of your dashboard, you may have a problem with your switch.Try to start the car.Does it turn over slowly or quickly?A jump start will not help if you don't have a dead battery.You probably have a dead battery if it cranks slowly or not at all.
Step 2: Each car's hood can be opened.
The battery is located between the engine and passenger compartment on some cars, but it's located near the front of the car on the right or left side.The battery can be found in the trunk of some cars.Check your car manual for the location of the battery.There are two positive and two negative terminals.The positive terminal will usually have a red cable attached to it.The negative terminal is usually marked with a minus sign and has a black cable attached to it.
Step 3: Don't touch the disabled car, but park the working car near.
The distance between the batteries of the two cars is as small as possible if you park the car in such a way.All electrical components should be turned off.All of these things should be off in the disabled car.Don't allow the cars to touch.If the cars are touching, jumping the battery can cause a fire.
Step 4: If you own safety gear, put it on.
The batteries should be inspected for cracks, leaks or other damage.Do not start the car if you find any of these things.If you want to replace the battery, call a tow truck.It is possible to remove the disabled automobile's battery cables and clean the battery terminals.Use a stiff wire brush.If you want to jump the car, connect the cables to the battery terminals.If applicable, remove the red post protective covers.
Step 5: The jumper cables need to be untangled.
Like your battery, your jumper cables will have red and black cables and heavy-duty clamps to connect to the battery terminals.If you allow the red and black ends of your jumper cables to touch each other, it can cause serious damage to one or both cars.
Step 6: The jumper cables should be connected in order.
The dead battery has a positive terminal.The good battery has a positive terminal.The good battery has a negative terminal.A piece of grounded metal on the dead car should be connected to the other black clamp.If this isn't practical, look for shiny metal that is attached to the engine.A nut, bolt, or other shiny metal will work.A small spark can be seen when you connect to a good ground.The last resort is to connect to the negative post of the dead battery, but this will cause hydrogen gas to come off the battery.You will need to look for the terminals labeled "-" and "+" if your car has a hidden battery.Make sure the cables are out of the engine compartment.
Step 7: You should start the car.
It should be off for a few minutes.For 30 to 60 seconds, do not race the engine, but do boost it a little higher.The starter in the dead car will draw most of the required current from that battery, not through the cables.Retail jumper cables aren't built to pass the current required.The dead battery needs to be charged.Try to charge for the full 60 seconds if 30 seconds doesn't do it.A clean connection between the battery cables and battery terminals is important.
Step 8: The vehicle is disabled and you should start it.
If it doesn't start, shut the engine off and connect the last connection from one of the four clamps to ensure a good electrical connection.The car needs to be restarted.Allow another five minutes for the vehicle to start.If this doesn't work after a few tries, you may need to have the car towed or the battery replaced.
Step 9: The jumper cables need to be removed once the car starts.
Don't let the cables touch each other, or dangle into the engine compartment, if you do this in the reverse of the order in which they were attached.The grounded metal on the dead car needs to be removed.The good battery has a negative terminal.The good battery has a positive terminal.The dead battery has a positive terminal.If applicable, replace the red post protective covers with positive ones.The covers help prevent short circuiting.
Step 10: The car's engine needs to be kept running.
You can run the car for five minutes and then run it for 20 minutes before turning it off.The battery should be enough to start the car again.You probably have a dead battery if it doesn't.
Step 11: If you want to have people push the car, position it at the top of a hill.
Step 12: Remove the clutch completely.
Step 13: The car needs to be put in second gear.
Step 14: Don't start the engine if the ignition is turned on.
This is the second position.The key is turned to the right.You don't want to turn one step further and start the engine.
Step 15: Don't use the brakes.
The clutch needs to be kept depressed.People pushing will cause you to coast down the hill.
Step 16: When the speed goes to 5 mph, let go of the clutch.
The engine should start.Try depressing and releasing the clutch again if it doesn't work out.