Got a dead car battery? Learn how to jump-start a car battery using another car battery or a power bank with these easy-to-follow instructions and simple diagrams.
Car to Car Jump Start
Before starting, ensure both vehicles are close enough for the jumper cables to connect to both batteries and turn all electronics off.
- Park a car with a charged battery near the dead battery car, but make sure they’re not touching.
- Turn off both cars and connect one end of the jumper cables to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery and the other end to the positive (+) terminal of the charged battery.
- Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative terminal of the charged battery and the other end to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery.
- Start the car with the charged battery and let it run for a few minutes.
- Start the car with the dead battery.
- If the car starts, let it run for a few minutes to charge the battery.
- If it doesn’t start, repeat the process or seek professional help.
Power Bank to Car Jump Start
Each power bank may be different, so be sure to use the instructions provided with it. Usually, it’s as easy as connecting the red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal on the battery.
FAQ
Why didn’t jumping the car work for me?
There could be many reasons why jumping does not work.
- Ensure the jumper cables are properly connected to the terminals on the battery.
- Ensure the jumper cables actually work. There are many bad quality jumper cables. Many of the cheaper ones are included with cheap roadside emergency kits.
- The battery might be bad.
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