1996 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 188

Connecting the jumper cables 1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery. (You can connect either jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you use the same cable for both positive terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red cable and a black cable. The red cable is generally used for the positive terminals and the black for the negative ones. Connect the other end of the first cable to the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery. Connect one end of the second cable to the negative ( ) terminal of the booster battery - NOT to the discharged battery. Connect the other end of that cable to a good metallic surface on the engine or frame of the disabled vehicle making sure it is clear of any rotating engine components. The following illustrations show where you can find a metallic surface. RWARNING Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative ( ) terminal of the battery to be jumped. A spark may cause an explosion of the gases that surround the battery. 2. 3. 4. 189