How to jump start a car.

[kurtshoals]

I watched a few videos today on how to jump start a car and came to a conclusion, that there is no consistent way to hook up the cables. When I do it, its always positive+ dead -> positive+ good, then negative- good -> ground (not the battery -'ve terminal) on dead car. Then reverse the order to disconnect, when the car is started.

[Jucius Maximus]

The procedure is probably written in your car's manual.
At least it is shown in mine.

[azncapcom]

I watched a few videos today on how to jump start a car and came to a conclusion, that there is no consistent way to hook up the cables. When I do it, its always positive+ dead -> positive+ good, then negative- good -> ground (not the battery -'ve terminal) on dead car. Then reverse the order to disconnect, when the car is started.

that is the correct procedure

[Phantasm]

You've got it right.

The reason you don't put the negative cable on the dead battery is because there could be explosive gasses surrounding it and the spark it makes could ignite.

So the idea is you put the negative on a ground somewhere away from the dead battery.

[Pete_Coach]

Every year this comes up. Here is a product that takes the guesswork out of it.
https://www.buysmartcables.com/ver4/index.asp
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/goss/2908.shtml

[kenchau]

I watched a few videos today on how to jump start a car and came to a conclusion, that there is no consistent way to hook up the cables. When I do it, its always positive+ dead -> positive+ good, then negative- good -> ground (not the battery -'ve terminal) on dead car. Then reverse the order to disconnect, when the car is started.

What you have there is the correct method and order in which to hook up the cables.

Every year this comes up. Here is a product that takes the guesswork out of it.
https://www.buysmartcables.com/ver4/index.asp
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/goss/2908.shtml

But the Michelin cables in the links that Pete posted look really good and seem to make sense. I can't attest to whether voltage surges happen or not, but maybe it is true.

[alex6999999]

connect it. just do not mismatch. hit second terminal by wire to verify, small spark is ok
dont worrt about rules.
probability of explosive gases less than hit by meteorite

But the Michelin cables in the links that Pete posted look really good and seem to make sense. I can't attest to whether voltage surges happen or not, but maybe it is true.
is Michelin cables gold plated? :)

only gage have sense.

[Pete_Coach]

connect it. just do not mismatch. hit second terminal by wire to verify, small spark is ok
dont worrt about rules.
probability of explosive gases less than hit by meteorite


is Michelin cables gold plated? :)

only gage have sense.

No but if it automatically adjusts the polarity for you and has surge protection built in, it may as well be gold plated. No spark at all let alone a little one or a big one.
All of the discussions in this thread (and so many more to come this winter) would be moot, if you used those.

[SkylineGTR]

connect it. just do not mismatch. hit second terminal by wire to verify, small spark is ok
dont worrt about rules.
probability of explosive gases less than hit by meteorite


is Michelin cables gold plated? :)

only gage have sense.


Not even close. 2 years ago in Mechanics class (high school) some kid was hooking a battery up to a charger and it exploded.

[oldsnail]

when you start your car.
make sure to start the car with power first..
or else it will put stress to the batter for the person that is trying to help u