1.make sure the transmission is in park or clutch is depressed and in neutral
2.check for loose or damaged battery and connections
3.get jumper cables, make sure clamps are not touching
4.start donor vehicle
5.ensure battery voltage and polarity of donor and dead vehicle are the same
6.attach one end positive (red) clamp to donor battery positive
7.attach same end negative (black) clamp to donor chassis or battery negative
8.attach other end positive (red) clamp to dead vehicle battery positive
9.attach other end negative (black) clamp to dead vehicle battery negative
10. allow a few minutes for donor vehicle to charge dead vehicle
11. start dead vehicle
12. disconnect negative (black) clamp from dead vehicle chassis
13. disconnect positive (red) clamp from dead vehicle
14. disconnect positive and negative clamps from donor vehicle
15. high five your adoring frenemies!

By AvvE

11 thoughts on “How to *actually* jump/bump start a vehicle.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tom Kenney says:

    In my truck bed I have a full sheet of plastic lattice. I can use it like AvE did, or pull it out when loading loose stuff and tie it over the top to contain everything

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Frazier says:

    Can you bump start, say, a 2008 Altima? Transverse v6 with 6 speed. And would you need enough power to put the car in “on” mode? I ask because it is a push to start engine. I’ve googled this with not a concise answer years ago. Thank you

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TonyV says:

    excellent choice in snow tires on the donor vehicle!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jonathon Livingstone Lemming says:

    Some of the old BW 35s had a rear pump and could be roll started. Anything else you are just running the trans without oil, with predictable results.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephen Sellers says:

    Not only is the pump not working but the torque converter won't let it spin over

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bruce Basse says:

    all i got to say on bumping an automatic is i got a 2000 subie forestor, its auto and got a misfire that stalls the engine sometimes, now its happend to me while driving and everytime it will start its self

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ian Moore says:

    Almost 50 years ago, myself and a few drunken mates push started ( down a fair hill) an old ford fairlane with a 2 speed auto. It started. It had recently been converted to a convertible with the help of a grinder and a couple cartons of beer. Love your work.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars uwe lehmaxx says:

    I was educated by my father in the layman's linguistics,therefore I appreciate aves constant messing with vocabulary….but as far as I'm concerned jump starting is done using jump leads.
    Bump starting is done with the clutch bump so I'm satisfied.
    I makes my dick curl when people mix up these two simple terms. Just as when people call a twin wheeler a twin wheel base……wheel base……distance between wheel centres..,twin wheels …two next to each other…..Or a duet if your a septic….(septic tank/yank)

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Devil In The Circuit says:

    Senor Manuel Transmission is one of the best anti-theft devices these days. Snowflakes and cupcakes have no clue how to use a clutch.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TheRealTeal says:

    Wow, never occurred to me to carry a fire extinguisher in the trunk. What a fantastic idea. No dumbing allowed, no dumbing here!

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MastEr0fNothinG says:

    Fix or repair daily FORD😂

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