These instructions apply to the Honda Accord Mk8 (CU/CW) 2008-2015.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Accord’s 12V battery is in the engine compartment, so jump-starting is easy to reach. The one Accord-specific point: the final negative lead goes to a metal ground point on the engine, not to the flat battery’s negative post.
Driving the North American Accord (2008–2012)? See the US-market guide.
How to jump-start a Honda Accord (2008–2015)
- Open the hood and check the battery. If the electrolyte looks slushy or frozen, do not jump-start it — let it thaw first.
- Switch off all accessories (heater, A/C, audio, lights), put the transmission in Park (auto) or neutral (manual), and set the parking brake on both cars.
- Connect one end of the red (+) cable to the flat battery’s positive terminal, and the other end to the booster battery’s positive terminal.
- Connect one end of the black (−) cable to the booster battery’s negative terminal. Connect the other end to a clean engine ground on the Accord — the engine mounting bolt (automatic) or transmission mounting bolt (manual) — not the flat battery’s negative post and not any other engine part.
- If the booster is in another car, start it and run it at a fast idle. Then start the Accord.
- Once it runs, remove the cables in reverse order: negative from the Accord first, then the booster; then positive from the Accord, then the booster.
Keep the cable ends apart and clear of any metal until everything is disconnected, or you can cause a short. After a jump-start, drive for at least 20–30 minutes to let the alternator recover some charge.
Grounding the negative lead to the engine rather than the battery keeps any spark away from the hydrogen a charging battery gives off. If the car needs jumping repeatedly, the battery or charging system should be tested.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I connect the negative cable?
To a bare metal engine ground — the engine mounting bolt on automatics or the transmission mounting bolt on manuals. Avoid the flat battery’s negative terminal; grounding to the engine keeps sparks away from battery gas.
Will I lose my radio code after a jump-start?
No. The battery is never disconnected during a jump-start, so the radio code, clock and other settings are retained. Those are only lost if you remove the battery terminals.
The car still won’t crank — now what?
Check the clamps have clean metal-to-metal contact and let the donor car run a few minutes first. If it still won’t turn over, the battery may be too far gone or the starter/charging system needs checking.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Honda. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.