Flat Car

July 22nd, 2007 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

Car Tips - How to Jump Start a Car

If you can not start your car because the battery has gone flat, then you may be able get it going again by jump-starting it.

What you need:

A set of car jump leads, also referred to as booster cables.

A friends car that is working.

Using jump leads is pretty simple and safe if you follow these instructions:

STEPS

1. Position both cars close together so the jump leads will reach both batteries.

2. Then connect the car battery booster cables in this order ;

a. Connect (+) positive red cable to the (+) positive terminal on the dead battery.

b. Connect the other end of the (+) positive red cable to (+) positive terminal on the working car.

c. Connect (-) negative black cable to (-) negative terminal on the working car.

d. Connect the other end of the (-) negative cable to the (-) negative terminal on the dead battery.

3. You are now ready to start the working car’s engine. Turn off all electrical equipment on the working car (heater, lights, radio, etc.) so that all the battery power is getting used to jump start the dead battery. Let the working car run for a minute or so before you try to start the dead one. Revving the engine in the working car will produce more current and help with jumping the dead battery.

4. Now try and start the dead battery engine by turning the ignition. If it sounds like it is going to

start but will not quite go, then rev the working car for a little longer before trying the dead batter

again.

5. When the dead battery has started and is running, remove the jump leads.

Do this in reverse order:

a. Disconnect (-) negative black cable from the terminal on dead battery.

b. Disconnect (-) negative black cable from the (-) negative terminal on the working car.

c. Disconnect (+) positive red cable from the (+) positive terminal on the working car.

d. Disconnect (+) positive red cable from the (+) positive terminal on the dead battery.

TIPS

You must let the car that had the flat (dead) battery run for quite a while. If you turn the ignition off quite soon after starting it then it may not start again because there will not be enough charge in the battery. It might be worth taking the car for a drive, or driving the car home and connecting the battery to a battery charger overnight.

Ensure that when you are connecting and removing the jump leads, they do not touch each other and do not come into contact with any moving parts on either engine. Most quality jump leads have the clamps coated with plastic so there is less chance of the metal parts touching parts of the car or engine. This is something to consider when buying your jump leads.

If the battery terminals on either car are dirty and corroded, then they will need to be cleaned up so that the clamps on the jump leads will get a good clean connection.

If the flat battery will not start the car after following this procedure, then the battery could be damaged and faulty inside. It is suggested that you try replacing the dead battery with a borrowed one before you spend money on a new one.

About the Author

Alternatively, get an auto-electrician/mechanic to check the car over for you.
Serg Caro. For more car tips visit car forum
or go directly to car accessories discussion.
You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.

Flat Car