Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Jumper Cable Procedures
If your car battery isnt getting the job done and you find yourself having trouble cranking up, then you might need to replace your battery. But you can always try jumping your car with another car first. This is especially helpful if the battery has been temporarily depleted because you left the lights or some other accessory on. If this is the case, with a successful start using jumper cables, your cars alternator will recharge the battery and you will be on your way without the need for further repairs. The procedure for using jumper cables is simple and most anyone should be able to complete it without much trouble.
Check Cable Connections First
Its common for drivers to think they need a jump when they actually dont. The first step is to find out if you need a jump at all. Check the battery for loose terminal connections or excessive corrosion. If they are loose or corroded they may not be making a proper connection, and this will prevent starting. If they are secure and free of corrosion, move on to the jumper cables.
Two Batteries Required
Youll need a second battery with a full charge to get your dead battery up and running again. This is most easily accomplished using a second car. Pull a car up close to, but not touching, the car with the dead battery. Make sure all the accessories and the radio in both cars are turned off and then shut down the engine. You should also unplug any other connected devices like iPods, radar detectors or GPS systems, to prevent damage to them.
Cable Connections
Each end of the jumper cable has two clamps. One is marked positive and the other negative. On most sets the negative is marked with a black protective cover and the positive is red or orange. Clamp one positive end of the cable to the positive terminal on the dead cars battery and then attach the other positive end to the positive terminal on the good battery on the other car. Connect one negative end to the good battery at the negative terminal and then clamp the other negative end to the engine block or a solid part of the cars frame to establish a ground. Try to find a spot as far from the battery as possible. You may also connect it to the negative terminal on the dead battery, but this should be a last resort if you cant find another spot. Connecting to the dead battery to complete the circuit could cause a battery explosion, although its unlikely.
Charge and Start
Start the "donor" car first and allow it to run for a few minutes while the dead battery absorbs some of the power. Shut down the donor cars engine, leave the cables connected, and try to start the dead car. Starting the dead car with the other engine off may protect the other car from alternator damage. If this doesnt work immediately, start the donor cars engine, wait a couple of minutes, and try to start the dead car again. You may have to wait a few more minutes, if the battery was severely depleted. Once the engine starts, let it continue to run for a few moments, allowing the system to recharge with the cables are still in place. Then remove the cables caully, in the exact reverse order from how you connected them.
Warnings
During this process, be caul not to touch the cable ends to any metal unintentionally. Never try to jump a damaged battery. If it is split, it may explode. Wear some kind of glasses, in case there is an explosion. Do not smoke during this procedure. Battery fumes are flammable.
Once you have let the dead car run for a few minutes with the cables disconnected, turn it off and try starting it again. If it starts, youre on your way. If it does not, however, it means that your charging system is not functioning properly, and you may not make it home.
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