Jump Start Order Animated Diagram

Pick your scenario

Two 12V passenger vehicles, donor with a charged battery, jumping a flat one.

DEAD 12V + DEAD + − DEAD − CHASSIS GROUND DONOR 12V + DONOR + − DONOR − PWR STEP 1 — CONNECT CONNECT
Step 1 of 11
1

RED → dead (+)

Clip the red clamp on the DEAD battery's positive terminal.

Why this order

Start at the dead positive. If you drop the live end now, the donor is still cold — no spark.

    Critical for this scenario

      Reference procedure only. Always check your owner's manual — hybrid and EV jump points vary by model and the wrong tab can damage the high-voltage system. Mike Reeves is an ASE Master Technician but not your roadside service.

      Jump start order diagram by RevRated  ·  Reviewed by Mike Reeves, ASE Master Technician