Connect the red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery. Connect the other red clamp to the positive post on the working battery. Connect the black clamp to the negative post on the working battery. Connect the last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface of your car.
First the clamp of the red cable is connected to the positive terminal of the assisting vehicle. The other end of the red cable is connected to the positive terminal of the broken down vehicle. Then the black clamp is connected to the negative terminal of the assisting battery.
Turn off the ignition in both cars. Connect the red, positive jumper cable to the positive terminal of your battery and then the other end of the same red cable to the positive terminal of the other battery. Connect the black, negative cable to your dead battery, followed by the negative terminal of the other battery.
One common reason why a car won't jump start is because the battery is completely dead. If the battery is completely dead, it won't have enough power to turn over the engine, even with a jump start. In this case, you'll need to replace the battery to get your car running again.
Your car's ignition switch, alternator, battery, starter, or a fuse could be malfunctioning. Your safety switch could be broken. This switch keeps your transmission from starting unless you're in park or neutral. If it is malfunctioning, it will keep your car from starting.
Never connect the black cable to the negative (–) terminal on your dead battery. This is very dangerous, could result in a possible explosion. Make sure you follow the instructions in your owner's manual when jumpstarting your vehicle.
The positive (red) cable should be attached to the positive terminals on each battery. The negative (black) cable should have one end attached to the negative terminal of the dead battery, and one end grounded.
Incorrect jumper cable connections can cause fires and explosions, which can lead to injury or damage to your vehicle.
Connect the red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery. Connect the other red clamp to the positive post on the working battery. Connect the black clamp to the negative post on the working battery. Connect the last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface of your car.
You should leave jumper cables connected for around five minutes at first. If your car still doesn't start after five minutes, it may take longer—up to 30 minutes in extremely cold temperatures. If after 30 minutes your car still doesn't start, there's likely more wrong than simply a dead battery.
Safety First:
Remember, when connecting the positive cables to the batteries, you should always start by connecting the dead battery first. If you feed energy into the cables before they are connected to your battery, you can cause a safety hazard.
Ten steps to jump start a car
Ensure both vehicles engines are switched off, remove the ignition keys and open their bonnets (or boot if the battery's located there). Attach one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal on the flat battery.
The battery will charge faster if you rev the engine faster. Why? Because the faster the crankshaft turns, the faster it turns the belt that runs the alternator. And the faster the alternator turns, the more electricity it produces to run all the electrical stuff in the car — and recharge the battery.
One end of the red jump lead should be connected to the flat battery's positive terminal. The lead must not touch any vehicle metal. Attach the red lead's other end to the boosting battery's positive terminal. Take the black lead and connect one end to the boosting battery's negative terminal.
Connecting the negative terminal first can create a short circuit, potentially damaging the battery, and electrical system, or even causing injury. By connecting the positive terminal first and then the negative, you can minimize the risk of any accidents or damage, ensuring a safe and successful installation.
It might be a battery or alternator problem.
A rapid clicking noise when trying to start your car could mean there's something wrong within the electrical system. Perhaps your battery's dead, or your alternator, which charges the battery, isn't working correctly.
Usually a rapid clicking noise is a good indication that your starter motor isn't getting enough electrical current to engage – basically your solenoid is trying to engage but can't make the connection.
A single loud click when starting (even after trying to jump-start your battery) is usually caused by a faulty starter motor, starter relay/solenoid or other electrical problem.