PSA: Jumpstarting a Car

[nwhiker]

Having had to help the pretty woman and the handsome man and his partner (?) at Costco gas this morning to jump start her truck (with his BMW SUV), I offer this:

Clamp goes on the positive + RED terminal of the DEAD car FIRST.

Next connect the positive + RED terminal on the LIVE car.

Next the - BLACK on the LIVE car.

LAST, and read this please, the last connection should NOT be to the - negative/BLACK post on the DEAD car, it needs to be to GROUND on the dead car, a good bet is usually the engine. Do not connect it to the frame of the car.

Start the good car, then try the dead car.

Disconnect in the opposite order the cables went on.

Heh. They were all headed to Starbucks to recover from the exertions of jump starting a car and the gal asked me to come with them. I had to decline, having gotten gas straight from my tromp in the woods, which means muddy hiking boots and sweatpants.

Comments

[wongzivou.livejournal.com]

Good to know ! I'll try to remember it.