How to Jump-Start a Car

If you’ve ever had your battery die in Long Island City, you know how frustrating it can be. Being late to an appointment or falling behind on your errands is not ideal, and if you don’t want to call a jump-start car service like AAA, you will need to learn how to jump-start a car. Luckily, learning how to properly jump-start a car is easy and only requires two items. Learn how to jump-start a car with the Major World Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram service team below, then read on to learn about some common reasons your car may have failed to turn over.

How To Properly Jump-Start A Car

The proper way to jump-start a car only requires two items: a set of jumper cables and another (working) car. If you don’t have jumper cables, you can find them at most Astoria auto stores and big box stores. Once you have them, you should keep your jumper cables stored in your trunk in case you ever need them again.

With your jumper cables in hand and a friend’s car nearby, follow the steps below:

1. Park the car with a good battery so it’s facing the dead vehicle. Make sure the engine is off and both vehicles are in park before beginning.
2. Open the hoods to both vehicles and find their batteries. Remove any plastic covers or hoods to expose the battery terminals.
3. Identify the positive ( + ) and negative ( – ) terminals. Use a rag to clean them of any water, corrosion, or dirt.
4. Connect the first red clamp to the positive terminal on the dead battery.
5. Hook the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the working vehicle.
6. Connect the paired black clamp to the negative post on the working vehicle.
7. Connect the final black clamp to an unpainted part of the metal frame on the dead vehicle.
8. With all the clamps secure, start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery first, then start the engine with the dead battery.
9. With the once-dead vehicle revived, carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were placed on. Make sure the clamps don’t touch each other.
10. Allow the engine of the restarted vehicle to run for at least ten minutes after the jump-start. This will allow the alternator to charge the battery and prevent it from dying again later on.

Why Your Car Won’t Jump-Start

If you’ve had to jump your car multiple times, or if your car won’t jump-start at all, there could be a variety of causes. The most common is a bad battery, but you could also have a more serious problem under your hood. Troubleshoot the issue with the Major World Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram service team below:

• If you only hear a clicking sound when you try and start your car, your starter could be malfunctioning. The best way to fix this is to schedule service at your local Manhattan CDJR service center.
• If your electrical systems (the lights, radio, power windows, etc) turn on but the engine won’t turn over, this could be the ignition switch, battery, starter, or a blown fuse. The best way to diagnose this issue is to have your trusted CDJR technician inspect your vehicle.
• If you allowed your vehicle to run for at least ten minutes after you jump-start your car, and the vehicle dies again later on, you most likely have a bad battery. However, the issue could also be your alternator. The best way to determine if your battery or alternator is failing is to get in your vehicle and turn on your lights without starting the car. If your lights are dim but then get brighter after you start your car, then your battery is failing. If you turn on your vehicle and your lights fade and glow as the engine runs, then your alternator may need to be replaced.

Get CDJR Service In Long Island City

Whether you want to learn more DIY service tips or you need an oil change, the service team at Major World Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is here to help. Bring your CDJR vehicle to our Long Island City service department for an inspection and general maintenance, or learn more about the benefits of buying OEM parts. You can even save on your visit when you use our service coupons. Soon we’ll have you back on Jackson Heights roads and on with your day!