Traditional jumpstarts can cause electrical problems in newer cars. Using a car jump starter will alleviate that worry. Here's how.
Time 30 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
CostAround $75
Introduction
It's a rare driver who hasn't needed a jump start at some point. Perhaps you left the lights on while you were shopping or you simply have and old battery that needs replacing. It's for situations like these you should keep a battery pack car jump starter in your vehicle.
Why a jump starter and not a set of jumper cables? Auto technical expert Kye Grisham cites three reasons: convenience, safety and versatility. Jumper packs are convenient because they don't require another vehicle, they are safer than cables because they "reduce the risk of incorrect connections that can damage electronics," and they are versatile because with thei USB ports, flashlights and built-in compressors, they are multifunctional.
Perhaps you've realized it's time to get a battery pack car jump starter, or maybe you already have one. If you aren't sure haow to use it, this post is for you.
Benefits of a car battery jump pack
You probably keep jumper cables in your vehicle so you can solicit a jump if your car battery dies or offer a jump to a fellow driver. But jumping batteries on cars built after 2000 might not be so smart. Newer vehicles can contain dozens of computers and even more digital devices. Jump-starting a car with cables connected to a running vehicle can create a voltage spike of up to 15.5 volts and fry expensive computers in both vehicles involved. Most of these components communicate on a shared data bus, so surge damage to just one computer or digital device (even a radio) can disable the entire data bus, preventing the vehicle from starting and costing hundreds to diagnose and repair.
Jump-starting with a battery pack car jump starter (also called a booster pack or juice pack) is a better alternative. The battery inside the jumper pack boosts the dead battery at a safe voltage. When used properly, a jumper pack is the safest way to protect the electronics in the dead vehicle while providing enough boost to get the engine running.
Tools Required
- Jumper Pack
Project step-by-step (8)
Step 1
Choose a jumper pack
To choose a jumper pack, ignore the pack’s peak amp rating. Peak amps don’t indicate the pack’s ability to start a vehicle. Instead, look for the unit’s cranking amps (CA) rating. Grisham advises: “Ensure the jumper pack’s peak amps are sufficient for your vehicle’s engine size. For small cars, 400-600 amps may be adequate, while trucks or SUVs may require 800+ amps.”
Another important characteristic of a jump starter is its battery capacity. Grisham advises considering a pack with a higher milliamp-hour (mAh) rating for multiple uses before recharging. He also says: “Check how long it takes to recharge the jumper pack itself. A shorter recharge time is ideal for quicker use in emergency situations.” This isn’t of vital importance if you can keep your pack charged by plugging it into your car’s 12V electrical system via USB, but it is if you have to plug the pack into a wall outlet to charge it.
Step 2
Turn everything off in the dead vehicle
Before using a jump box or jumper pack, turn off all lights and electrical accessories in the dead vehicle.
Step 3
Connect jumper
Next, connect the cables just as you would ordinary jumper cables—positive clamp to the positive battery post and negative clamp to the negative battery post or a metallic engine component or chassis grounding point.
Step 4
Try starting the vehicle
Then try starting the vehicle. Follow the jumper pack instructions for maximum cranking times.
If the jump works, you’re all set. If not, it might be time to call a pro or replace your battery. At least you didn’t damage any electronics while trying to jump the car.
Step 5
Remove jumper cables
When disconnecting, make sure to go in reverse order. Remove negative clamp and then positive.
Step 6
Charge jump starter
Jumper packs require regular recharging. You can’t charge a battery pack car jump starter, throw it in your car’s emergency kit and expect it to work when you need it. Recommendations vary, but count on routinely recharging a jumper pack.
You can charge smaller packs by plugging them into the USB port in your vehicle, but larger ones may need to be plugged into a 120V wall outlet. If you don’t keep the pack charged, its battery will degrade to the point that it won’t accept or hold a charge. However, if you maintain it properly, it’ll last for several years.
Step 7
When to call a pro
If the car doesn’t start after trying to jump-start it, it might mean it’s time to call your local car mechanic. Your battery might need to be replaced or there might be other issues that are causing your car not to turn over.
Step 8
FAQs
What is the difference between peak amps and cranking amps?
Many manufacturers list a peak amp rating on their pack. But it’s not a reliable indicator of battery power. Instead, check for the pack’s cranking amps (CA) rating. To arrive at the CA rating, the battery is discharged for 30 seconds. The number of amps the battery delivers during that period while still maintaining at least 1.2 volts per cell is its CA rating. The higher the CA, the better the battery.
Can a battery be so dead it won’t jump start?
Yes. If the battery is completely dead, it won’t jump start. Therefore, you will be required to replace the car battery.
How long do I leave my car running after jump starting?
Once you jump start the car, let it run for about 15 minutes or more so that the alternator can recharge the battery.
About the Expert
- Kye Grisham is the Vice President of Automotive Technology and Procurement for Christian Brothers Automotive, a car repair service with franchises located nationwide.
