How to Jumpstart a Manual Transmission Car
Materials You’ll Need:
– Jumper cables
– Another car with a working battery
– Neutral gear position
– Parking brake engaged
Safety Precautions:
1. Park both vehicles in a safe location. Ensure that the vehicles are not touching each other.
2. Turn off the engines of both vehicles.
3. Put both vehicles in neutral.
4. Engage the parking brakes on both vehicles.
5. Open the hoods of both vehicles.
Connecting the Jumper Cables:
1. Connect one end of the red (+) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
2. Connect the other end of the red (+) cable to the positive terminal of the donor battery.
3. Connect one end of the black (-) cable to the negative terminal of the donor battery.
4. Connect the other end of the black (-) cable to a metal surface on the chassis of the dead car, away from the battery.
Note: Do not connect the black (-) cable directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery, as this can create a spark that could ignite any leaking fuel.
Starting the Donor Car:
1. Start the engine of the donor car and let it run for a few minutes. This will charge the dead battery slightly.
Starting the Dead Car:
1. While the donor car is still running, insert the key into the dead car and turn it to the “ON” position.
2. Slowly depress the clutch pedal fully.
3. Shift the gear lever into second gear.
4. Slowly release the clutch pedal while simultaneously pressing down on the gas pedal.
5. The car should start and run.
Disconnecting the Jumper Cables:
1. Once the dead car is running, remove your foot from the gas pedal and release the clutch pedal fully.
2. Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order you connected them:
– Remove the black (-) cable from the chassis of the dead car.
– Remove the black (-) cable from the donor battery.
– Remove the red (+) cable from the positive terminal of the dead battery.
– Remove the red (+) cable from the positive terminal of the donor battery.
3. Close the hoods of both vehicles.
Additional Tips:
– If the car does not start after following these steps, check the connections of the jumper cables to ensure they are secure.
– Allow the dead battery to charge for a few minutes before trying to start the car again.
– If the dead car still does not start, there may be an underlying issue with the car’s electrical system or ignition.
– It is recommended to have the dead battery tested and replaced if it is not holding a charge.
– Avoid connecting the jumper cables backwards, as this can damage the electrical systems of both vehicles.
