How do you jump a car with yellow and black jumper cables?

Jumping a car with jumper cables is a common way to get a dead battery started again by using the power from another vehicle’s battery. While most jumper cables have red and black clips, some jumper cable sets also include yellow and black clips. Jumping a car with yellow and black jumper cables follows the same basic process as with red and black jumper cables.

What You’ll Need

To jump a car battery using yellow and black jumper cables, you’ll need:

• A set of jumper cables with yellow and black clips
• A car with a charged battery to use to jumpstart the dead battery
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

The yellow and black jumper cables work the same way as red and black jumper cables. The yellow cable takes the place of the red positive cable, while the black cable is the negative ground cable.

Step 1: Position the Vehicles

First, position the vehicles so the batteries are close together but not touching. The vehicles should be turned off with the parking brake set.

Position the vehicle with the charged battery so the front is facing the front of the vehicle with the dead battery. This allows you to easily connect the jumper cables to the batteries in the engine bays.

Step 2: Identify the Battery Terminals

Pop the hoods on both vehicles. Locate the positive and negative terminals on each battery.

The positive terminal is typically larger and marked with a “+” sign. The negative terminal may be marked with a “-” sign.

Step 3: Attach the Yellow Jumper Cable to the Dead Battery

Attach one end of the yellow positive jumper cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery. This is the terminal marked with a “+” sign.

Make sure the metal clamp has good contact with the terminal. Do not attach the clamp to any other part of the battery or engine.

Step 4: Attach the Other End of the Yellow Cable to the Good Battery

Attach the other end of the yellow positive cable to the positive terminal on the battery with the charge. Again, be sure the metal clamp grips the terminal securely.

Step 5: Attach One End of the Black Cable to the Good Battery

Now attach one end of the black negative jumper cable to the negative terminal on the charged battery. This terminal will be marked with a “-” sign.

Step 6: Attach the Other End of the Black Cable to the Dead Battery

To complete the connection, attach the other end of the black negative cable to the negative terminal on the dead battery.

Be very careful not to allow the black clip to touch any other metal parts while attaching it. This could cause sparks or damage the electrical system.

Step 7: Start the Vehicle with the Charged Battery

With the jumper cables securely attached, start the vehicle that has the good battery. Let it run for 2-3 minutes before attempting to start the vehicle with the dead battery.

This allows time for the good battery to transfer some charge to the dead battery.

Step 8: Start the Vehicle with the Dead Battery

Now attempt to start the vehicle that has the dead battery. If it does not start after a few tries, allow the vehicle with the good battery to continue running for a few more minutes before trying again.

If it still won’t start, there may be other issues beyond just a dead battery preventing it from starting.

Step 9: Remove the Jumper Cables

Once you get the dead vehicle started, allow it to run for 15-20 minutes to help recharge the battery. Then you can disconnect the jumper cables.

Be sure to remove them in the reverse order you put them on:

1. Remove the black cable from the negative terminal on the dead battery
2. Remove the black cable from the negative terminal on the good battery
3. Remove the yellow cable from the positive terminal on the good battery
4. Remove the yellow cable from the positive terminal on the dead battery

This procedure prevents any sparks while disconnecting the jumper cables.

Tips for Jumping a Car with Yellow and Black Cables

Here are some additional tips when using yellow and black jumper cables to start a vehicle:

• Make sure the vehicles do not touch during the jump start process.
• Only attach jumper cables to the battery terminals – not other metal parts.
• Double check that the jumper cables are securely attached with good metal-to-metal contact before starting either vehicle.
• Make sure both vehicles are turned off and in park with the parking brake set.
• Stay clear of moving parts in the engine while attaching the cables.
• Remove all jewelry and wear protective gloves and eyewear.
• Do not attach the black jumper cable to the negative terminal while it is still attached to the positive terminal – this can cause sparks.
• Only use the jumper cables on matching voltage batteries – usually 12V car batteries.

What to Do if the Vehicle Won’t Start

If the dead battery still won’t start the vehicle after following these jump starting steps, here are some things to try:

• Allow the good battery to continue running for 5-10 minutes before trying again. This gives more time to transfer power.
• Ensure the jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact and are securely clamped.
• Wiggle the jumper cable connections to get better contact.
• Try turning the headlights on the dead vehicle on while jump starting – this can help reduce electrical resistance.
• Make sure the dead battery is actually the problem – test it with a voltmeter if possible.
• Charge the dead battery by leaving the good vehicle running with the cables attached for 20-30 minutes.

If it still won’t start after multiple jump attempts, the battery may need professional testing, charging or replacement.

When to Call a Mechanic

In most cases, jump starting with jumper cables will get a dead battery going again. But in some situations, you may need to call for professional help:

• The battery is more than 5 years old.
• The terminals are corroded or damaged.
• You’ve tried jump starting multiple times with no success.
• You don’t have access to another vehicle for jump starting.
• The vehicle needs a jump start on a regular basis.
• You see sparks, smoke or leaks during the jump start process.
• The battery makes unusual noises when jump starting.
• The battery quickly loses its charge after jump starting.

A technician can test the battery, electrical system and alternator to pinpoint why the vehicle won’t hold a charge. They can safely jump start the vehicle and potentially replace the battery if needed.

Safety Tips

Jump starting a vehicle has some associated safety risks. Follow these tips to stay safe:

• Wear ANSI-approved eye protection and rubber gloves.
• Keep your face and body as far from the batteries as possible.
• Do not allow the jumper cable clamps to touch each other while attached to batteries.
• Avoid getting battery acid on your skin, in your eyes or on clothing.
• Do not smoke or have open flames near batteries.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of electrical sparks or overheating.
• Only use jumper cables for jump starting – not charging batteries or powering accessories.

Following basic safety procedures will help ensure you can safely jump start a dead battery when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some jumper cables have yellow and black clips instead of red and black?

Yellow and black jumper cables work the same way as traditional red and black cables. The yellow cable takes the place of the positive red cable, while the black is still the negative. Some manufacturers use yellow instead of red to differentiate their jumper cable sets.

Can I use yellow and black jumper cables on any car battery?

Yellow and black jumper cables can be safely used on any standard 12-volt lead-acid car battery. Avoid using them on batteries with voltages higher than 12V to prevent damage.

Is jump starting with yellow and black cables the same process as with red and black cables?

Yes, the process is identical. Attach the yellow positive cable to the positive battery terminal on each battery. Attach the black negative cable to the negative terminal on each battery. With proper connections, the yellow and black cables will jump start the vehicle the same as red and black cables.

Why won’t my car start even after using yellow and black jumper cables?

If a car won’t start after jump starting with yellow and black cables, the battery may be too drained to take a charge, the battery could be old and need replacing, there may be loose cable connections, or there could be an underlying electrical issue preventing the car from starting.

How long do I need to leave the jumper cables connected when jump starting with yellow and black cables?

Leave the yellow and black jumper cables connected for 2-3 minutes before attempting to start the dead vehicle. After it starts, let it run for 15-20 minutes to recharge before disconnecting the jumper cables.

Conclusion

Jump starting a car using yellow and black jumper cables follows the same process as with traditional red and black cables. Identify the positive and negative terminals, connect the yellow cable to the positive terminals, connect the black cable to the negative terminals, start the donor vehicle, then start the dead vehicle. With some basic precautions, yellow and black jumper cables can safely deliver power to jump start a dead battery.