jump start connection sequence

Flat battery and a bruised ego? Here’s the proper jump-start connection sequence, so you don’t turn your pride and joy into a smoke machine.

Connect the red (+) clamp to the dead battery’s positive terminal, then the other red (+) clamp to the donor battery’s positive.

Connect the black (−) clamp to the donor battery’s negative, then the remaining black clamp to a solid unpainted metal ground on the dead car—never the dead battery’s negative post.

Start the donor, let it idle for a minute, then start the dead car; to remove, go in reverse: black off the dead car, black off donor, red off donor, red off dead.

Avoid jump-starting hybrids/EVs or any swollen/leaking batteries, keep cables clear of belts and fans, and check your owner’s manual for model-specific cautions.