DrewSG

iTrader: (1)

What is the proper way to jump to start a battery?

I always thought it was pos -> pos and neg -> neg, But when I had to buy cables last night, it said I had to connect a cable to a part of my engine block?

I used the old fashion way and it started up fine though?

2kSnakeEater

iTrader: (5)

the old fashion way works good, but I was also told to conect the neg of one of the car ( I forget witch one ) to a good ground.

67Ranger

iTrader: (16)

the safest way is to connect the ones on the dead battery pos-pos and neg-frame... There is some safety reason for this, but im not sure exactly why. I always hook mine up to the frame, not so much the block, but that would work too, since its all grounded.

massls1guy

iTrader: (9)

The reason is that the last connection will complete the circuit and make a spark. You don't want a spark to happen close to the battery because it has vents that let explosive/flammable gas bleed out. The negative battery terminal is connected to the frame and engine of the car, so from an electricity standpoint conecting the negative jumper cable to the negative battery terminal or engine is the same thing. So make the last negative connection on the engine a bit away from the battery to avoid causing an explosion/fire at the battery.

ZeeVert

That's right. It's rare, but I've seen 2 batteries blow in my life. Thank God it didn't happen to me.

Correct, and the last negative connection should be to the engine block or bracket of the car you are trying to start. It's a small point, but that eliminates 2 battery cables and connections from the loop.