How to Jumpstart a Nissan Vehicle

By webdev | Posted in Woodfield Nissan on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 6:51 pm

If your Nissan will not start and you suspect the battery is dead, jumpstarting the vehicle may be a quick fix. We want every driver to feel confident knowing how to jumpstart a car.

Here’s a step-by-step Nissan jumpstart guide:

First, Check the Basics

Before grabbing the jumper cables, take a moment to confirm the issue.

Make sure the gear is in Park (or Neutral for manual).
Turn off all lights, climate controls, and accessories.
Try the ignition. If there is no click or crank or if the lights appear dim, the battery is likely drained.

If the engine turns over slowly or clicks repeatedly, this is usually a sign of a weak battery. A jumpstart might get you back on the road.

Gather the Right Tools

To jumpstart a Nissan, you will need:

A working vehicle with a charged 12-volt battery.
A quality set of jumper cables with secure clamps.
Safety gloves and eye protection if available.

You should park both vehicles close enough that the cables can reach, but never let the vehicles touch.

Follow These Steps to Jumpstart Your Nissan

Take care during the process. Incorrect steps can damage the electrical system or pose safety risks.

Turn both vehicles off, remove keys, and set both parking brakes.
Connect the red (positive) cable to the dead battery’s positive terminal.
Attach the other end of the red cable to the live battery’s positive terminal.
Connect the black (negative) cable to the live battery’s negative terminal.
Attach the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or vehicle frame of the dead car, not the negative battery terminal. This helps prevent sparks near the battery.
Start the working vehicle and let it run for a couple of minutes.
Attempt to start your Nissan. If it starts, let it idle while connected for several minutes to help the battery recover.

After you’re done, remove the cables in reverse order:

Negative clamp from your Nissan.
Negative clamp from the donor vehicle.
Positive clamp from the donor vehicle.
Positive clamp from your Nissan.

Important: Avoid letting the clamps touch during removal.

What to Do After a Jump

If your Nissan starts and runs smoothly, drive it for at least 20 minutes. This gives the alternator time to charge the battery. However, if it struggles to start again later, the battery may need to be replaced.

Many newer Nissan models have Intelligent Keys and advanced electronics. If you’re unsure how to jumpstart a Nissan or if the jumpstart fails, it may be best to call for assistance. We recommend scheduling a service so our technicians can run a full battery and charging system test.

Prevent Future Battery Trouble

Battery issues are common in colder months or if a vehicle sits unused. To help reduce the chances of another dead battery:

Keep the terminals clean and free from corrosion.
Avoid short trips that do not give the battery time to recharge.
Have your battery tested regularly, especially if it’s over three years old.

At Woodfield Nissan, we’re happy to help with quick diagnostics, battery replacements, or electrical inspections.

Your Local Nissan Experts

Whether you need help choosing a replacement battery or just learning how to jumpstart a Nissan, we’re here for you. Visit us at Woodfield Nissan in Hoffman Estates, where our team offers reliable service and friendly advice.