Park both cars close enough for jumper cables to reach, with engines off
Set both vehicles to Park (or Neutral for manual), engage parking brakes
Turn off headlights, radios, and all accessories on both cars
Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery
Connect one red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery
Connect the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery
Connect one black clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery
Connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car’s engine block or chassis, away from the battery
Start the engine of the good car and let it run for 2–5 minutes
Attempt to start the dead car
If it doesn’t start, wait 1–2 minutes and try again once
Once the dead car starts, keep both engines running for 2–3 minutes
Disconnect clamps in reverse order:
Remove the black clamp from the grounded metal surface on the dead car
Remove the black clamp from the negative (-) terminal of the good battery
Remove the red clamp from the positive (+) terminal of the good battery
Remove the red clamp from the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery
Drive the dead car for at least 20–30 minutes to recharge the battery
If the dead car still won’t start, stop and seek roadside assistance or professional help