Steps 1 Make sure the battery is the problem. •Check the headlights. Are they dim or bright? (Note that in some cars you will need to turn the ignition on to test the headlights). If they are dim, it's likely your battery is the culprit. If your headlights are bright, you do not have a dead battery and a jump start will not help. Jump Start a Car Step 1Bullet1.jpg •..