Overview
- A car that will not unlock by remote and shows no lights or response to the key likely has a dead starter battery.
- Position both cars close without touching, set the stricken car to neutral or P with the handbrake on, and keep ignitions off before connecting cables.
- Follow the precise order: red to positive on the dead battery, red to positive on the donor, black to negative on the donor, then black to a metal chassis ground on the disabled vehicle.
- Auto Club Europa warns against linking negative posts directly because sparks can ignite hydrogen from lead‑acid batteries, so a chassis ground reduces that risk.
- Let the donor engine run and switch on a strong consumer like the rear-window heater for 1–2 minutes before starting, then remove cables in reverse order and drive to recharge, noting many hybrids and EVs may receive but should not donate and may have non‑engine‑bay battery locations.