Which Jumper Cable Goes On First In a Car?

Wondering which jumper cable goes on first in a car? Do you wake up to find your car with a dead battery? No problem! Jump-starting a car is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to do it safely. Knowing which jumper cable goes on first can be the difference between a smooth start and a potential safety hazard. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown to ensure a safe jump-start anytime your battery runs down.

Why Order Matters: The Basics of Jumper Cable Safety

Jumper cables connect your dead battery to a live battery, transferring the electrical charge needed to start your engine. However improperly connecting jumper cables can create sparks, leading to battery damage or even an explosion in extreme cases. By following the correct order, you minimize these risks and ensure a safe transfer of power.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the jump-starting process, make sure you have:

• A set of quality jumper cables—thicker cables with insulation are safer and more efficient.
• Another vehicle with a working battery.
• A safe location for both cars, ideally on a flat surface and away from traffic.

Step-by-Step Guide: Which Cable Goes on First

1. Position the Vehicles and Turn Everything Off

• Place both vehicles close enough so that the jumper cables can reach both batteries but not so close that they’re touching.
• Turn off both cars completely, including lights, radios, and any other electrical accessories.
• Put each car in Park (or Neutral, if it’s a manual), and engage the parking brake to ensure they stay still.

2. Connect the Jumper Cables: The Proper Order

1. Attach the Red (Positive) Cable to the Dead Battery First

• Start by connecting the red jumper cable clamp to the positive (+) terminal on the dead battery.
• Why First? The positive clamp is typically the safest to connect first, as it helps to establish a path for the charge.

3. Connect the Other Red (Positive) Cable to the Good Battery

• Now, attach the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal on the good battery.

4. Attach the Black (Negative) Cable to the Good Battery

• Connect the black jumper cable clamp to the negative (-) terminal on the good battery.

5. Ground the Black (Negative) Cable on the Dead Car

• Instead of connecting the black cable to the dead battery’s negative terminal, clip it to an unpainted metal part on the dead car’s engine block or chassis, ideally far from the battery itself.
• Why Not the Negative Terminal? Grounding on metal instead of the negative terminal reduces the risk of sparks near the battery, which could ignite flammable gases.

6. Start the Working Car First, Then the Dead Car

• Turn on the car with the charged battery and let it idle for a couple of minutes. This allows a small amount of charge to flow into the dead battery.
• Now, try starting the dead car. If it doesn’t start immediately, give it a few more minutes to accumulate charge and try again.

7. Remove the Cables in the Reverse Order

Once the dead car starts, you can carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order of connection:

1. Remove the Black Cable from the Grounded Metal on the Dead Car
2. Disconnect the Black Cable from the Negative Terminal on the Good Battery
3. Disconnect the Red Cable from the Positive Terminal on the Good Battery
4. Remove the Red Cable from the Positive Terminal on the Dead Battery

Always make sure to keep the cable clamps or any metal part on the car from touching each other.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your car still doesn’t start after following these steps, it could be due to a few reasons:

• Battery condition: If the battery is very old or completely dead, it may not hold a charge.
• Loose or corroded terminals: Check to make sure all connections are clean and tight.
• Alternator issues: If your battery frequently dies, your alternator might be at fault and may need to be checked by a reliable mechanic.

Safety Tips and Final Thoughts

1. Always Double-Check Polarity
   Reversing the positive and negative connections can cause serious electrical damage, so always double-check before connecting.
2. Keep Hands and Face Clear of Batteries During Start
   Batteries can emit flammable hydrogen gas. Keeping your face and hands away helps prevent accidental injury.
3. Invest in a Jump-Starter Pack
   A portable jump-starter pack can save you time and effort if you’re in an isolated area or need a quick solution without another car around.

Jump-starting a car may seem intimidating at first, but once you know which cable goes on first and why the order matters, you will see it as a straightforward process. Following these steps, each time ensures that you’re not just jump-starting the car, but doing it in the safest, most effective way possible. Safe travels!