Ford Owner Help · Dead Battery
How to Jump-Start a Ford (and Where the Battery Is)
Connect red to both positives, black to the donor negative, then black to bare metal on your Ford.
Stuck in Park with no power? → put it in neutral first
Before You Start
- Park the donor close, not touching.
- Put both in Park and set both parking brakes.
- Turn off lights and accessories on the dead Ford. Wear safety glasses if you have them.
Connect the Cables in This Order
- Red (+) to the dead Ford's positive terminal.
- Red (+) to the donor's positive terminal.
- Black (−) to the donor's negative terminal.
- Black (−) to bare, unpainted metal on the dead Ford, like a clean bolt or bracket away from the battery. Not the dead battery's negative post: this keeps any spark away from battery gas.
Start the donor and let it run a few minutes, then start your Ford. Remove the cables in reverse order (4, 3, 2, 1) without letting the clamps touch. Let your Ford run 15 to 30 minutes, or drive it about 20, to recharge.
Where the Battery Is
| Model type | Battery or jump point |
|---|---|
| Most gas Fords (F-150, Explorer, Bronco, Escape, Ranger) | Under the hood |
| Some hybrids | The 12-volt battery can sit in the trunk or cargo area, with jump terminals under the hood |
| Mustang Mach-E | 12-volt jump point under the hood. Never the high-voltage battery |
| F-150 Lightning | 12-volt jump terminals in the front trunk |
On hybrids and EVs you only ever jump the 12-volt system, using the jump points in your Owner's Manual. Ford says not to use an EV to jump another vehicle.
No Second Car? Use a Jump Pack
A portable jump pack works the same way: red clamp to positive, black clamp to bare metal, power on the pack, then start the Ford. Keep one charged in the truck.
If It Keeps Dying
A battery that needs a jump and then dies again usually needs replacing, or the charging system needs a look. We test batteries and alternators the same day and stock the right Ford battery, backed by our 3-Hour Diagnosis Guarantee, with free pickup and delivery within 20 miles of Keyport.
Replacing it yourself? Send a parts request with your VIN and we'll match the right Motorcraft battery.
Jump-Starting a Ford: FAQs
What's the correct order to connect jumper cables on a Ford?
Red to the dead battery's positive, red to the donor's positive, black to the donor's negative, and the last black clamp to bare metal on the dead Ford, not its negative terminal.
Why connect the last clamp to metal instead of the negative terminal?
It keeps any spark away from the hydrogen gas around the battery.
Where is the battery on my Ford?
Under the hood on most gas Fords. On some hybrids the 12-volt battery is in the trunk or cargo area, with jump terminals under the hood.
Can you jump-start a Ford hybrid or EV?
Yes, but only the 12-volt system, using the jump points in the Owner's Manual. Never connect to the high-voltage battery, and don't use an EV to jump another vehicle.
How long should I run the Ford after a jump?
15 to 30 minutes, or drive about 20 minutes, so the alternator can recharge the battery.
Which cable do I remove first?
Reverse order: the black ground clamp first, then the donor negative, then the two positives.
My Ford clicks but won't start. Will a jump help?
Clicking often means a weak battery, which a jump can fix. If it still won't crank, it may be the starter or charging system.
My battery keeps dying overnight. Why?
An old battery, a parasitic drain, or a failing alternator. Have the battery and charging system tested.
The information on this page is provided as a general guide for Ford owners, for convenience only. Procedures, locations, and specifications vary by model, year, and trim and may change over time. Always follow your vehicle's Owner's Manual, which takes precedence over anything on this page. These steps are not a substitute for professional service, and some can risk personal injury or vehicle damage if done incorrectly — proceed at your own risk, and contact a qualified technician if you are unsure. Tom's Ford assumes no liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from use of this information.