jump-starting cables lying on a flat surface

How do I jump-start my Ford when the battery dies in winter?

Video and text guide to jumpstarting a Ford vehicle with a dead battery 

How do you jump-start a Ford vehicle when the battery dies in winter? We’re here to show you how to use booster cables to revive a vehicle’s dead battery. Below, we have a video and text guide to jumpstarting a Ford vehicle with a dead battery. Follow along with our written instructions or video guide to fix your Ford. 



Steps to jumpstarting a dead battery in a Ford vehicle 

Time needed: 15 minutes.

Eight steps to jump-starting the dead battery in your Ford. This can work for other models as well. The video below covers the same eight steps.

  1. Get the necessary supplies.

    This includes booster cables and a vehicle that does not have a dead battery. You might have to ask someone for help with this. Keep booster cables in your vehicle to be prepared. 

  2. Put both vehicles in park and shut off their ignition.

    Keep the vehicles off for now. Use the emergency parking brake for added safety. 

  3. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the dead battery.

    The plus sign indicates the positive terminal, which may also be larger than the negative terminal. Attach it by clamping it onto the terminal. 

  4. Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the good battery.

    Basically, repeat step three with the other vehicle. Make sure to use the red clips in both cases. 

  5. Attach the black clip to the negative terminal of the good battery. 

    This will be across from the positive terminal on the battery. 

  6. Attach the final black clip to a metal surface on the vehicle with the dead battery.

    Do not attach it to the battery. Choose a metal surface away from the battery. 

  7. Start the good vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.

    This should charge the dead battery of the other vehicle.  

  8. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.

    It should be charged up and ready to go. If it doesn’t work, you can give it more time and try again. If it does work, don’t turn off your vehicle. Drive it around for at least 20 minutes. Replace the battery as needed. 



How to Correctly Jump Start a Dead Car Battery with Booster Cables video by Sherwood Ford