Park both vehicles on a flat, stable surface with engines off
Ensure both vehicles are in Park (or Neutral for manual) and set parking brakes
Keep the batteries and jumper cables away from moving belts/fans and any fuel/vent sources
Identify positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on both batteries
Connect one end of the red (positive) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the dead battery
Connect the other end of the red (positive) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the good battery
Connect one end of the black (negative) cable to the negative (−) terminal on the good battery
Connect the other end of the black (negative) cable to an unpainted metal surface on the dead vehicle’s engine block or frame (not the negative terminal)
Start the vehicle with the good battery and let it run at a steady idle
Start the vehicle with the dead battery
If it doesn’t start within 5–10 seconds, stop and wait before retrying
Once the dead vehicle starts, keep both engines running
Disconnect cables in reverse order:
Remove the black cable from the unpainted metal surface on the dead vehicle
Remove the black cable from the negative (−) terminal on the good battery
Remove the red cable from the positive (+) terminal on the good battery
Remove the red cable from the positive (+) terminal on the dead battery
Drive the jump-started vehicle for at least 20–30 minutes to help recharge the battery
If it fails to start after multiple attempts, stop and seek roadside assistance or a battery/charging check