Vauxhall Corsa - Problem with jump-starting

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Sat 16 May 2020 14:23
Vauxhall Corsa - Problem with jump-starting - JohnB1976

I drive a 2002 Vauxhall Corsa. The battery's died twice in the last year but both times I was able to jump-start it using jump leads.

Recently the battery died again, probably through lack of use (because of the Covid-19 lockdown). However unlike the first two times there's no sound at all when I turn the key in the ignition.

Today I tried jump-starting the car using a neighbour's Nissan Micra (same battery voltage). With both engines and all electrics off I connected the positive terminals, then connected the black lead to the Micra's negative terminal.

When I went to connect the black lead to a metal bracket under the Corsa's hood it sparked. This has never happened before so I thought I'd better stop. The bracket was nowhere near the battery.

I know sod all about cars so I figured it's best not to continue without asking here first. Why did the black lead spark? Is that something to be concerned about? Does it indicate a problem? Is it safe to try again?

Many thanks in advance.

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Sat 16 May 2020 14:38
Vauxhall Corsa - Problem with jump-starting - elekie&a/c doctor
Provided you have connected the leads the correct way round , there should be no problem . On the Corsa , the red lead connected to the right hand terminal, usually under a plastic cover . The negative lead to the terminal on the left . This is the earth lead , and is usually brown in colour.
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Sat 16 May 2020 14:52
Vauxhall Corsa - Problem with jump-starting - Andrew-T

Can you not connect both jump leads direct to the battery terminals (red to red of course) ? Then you needn't worry which is earthed to the car.

Sadly many modern cars keep batteries under plastic so that may be difficult.

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Sat 16 May 2020 19:59
Vauxhall Corsa - Problem with jump-starting - bathtub tom

Can you not connect both jump leads direct to the battery terminals

The OP was perfectly correct in not making the last connection to a battery terminal in case of sparking igniting hydrogen gas.

I suspect the sparking was because the Corsa battery was so discharged the Micra battery was providing a high current.

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