How to Jump Start a Car

Solving problems when you’re dealing with jump start car battery issues can be stressful, to say the least. What’s the right way to do it? Learn how to properly jump start a car with Sam Leman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Peoria. And if you think your battery is starting to die permanently, we can replace it at our service department near Dunlap.

The Proper Way to Jump Start a Car

Owning a decent pair of jumper cables is an essential part of getting your battery working again. You’ll also need another vehicle that’s running, or a jump start car service (like AAA). All set? Follow these steps:

• Have the operating car park close to yours, front-bumper-to-front-bumper, and turn off the ignition. Double-check that both parking brakes are engaged.
• Find the battery under each hood, and remove the plastic hoods over each terminal. 
• Verify which terminal is positive and which is negative, and clean off any corrosion.
• Connect the red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery.
• Uncoiling the battery cable, hook the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the battery with the charge.
• Connect the black clamp to the negative post on the good battery. 
• Connect the final clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the car’s frame.
• Once everything is secure, start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery first, then the one with the dead battery.
• Once the dead vehicle has been jump started, carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were placed on, then shut off the car that was used to help jump start the dead car.
• Keep the engine running on the restarted vehicle for at least 10 minutes to ensure that the weak battery holds the charge. Consult your owner’s manual for more info on recommended times.

More Battery Tips and Tricks

If your car won’t jump start, you may need a battery replacement, or it may be a sign of a more serious problem. Take these steps to troubleshoot the issue:

• If when starting the car only a clicking sound is heard, the starter might not be functioning. Schedule service at Sam Leman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Peoria near Bartonville for a replacement.
• If the electrical systems of the car turn on, but the engine fails to turn over, the problem could be a number of issues having to do with either the ignition switch, battery, starter, or fuse. It’s worth bringing your vehicle to a service center to diagnose the issue.
• Leave your vehicle running for a while after your jump, allowing the battery to recharge fully after it’s been drained.

Turn to Sam Leman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Peoria for Auto Service

Feeling confident that you know the proper way to jump start a car? If not, whether it’s a new battery, oil change, routine maintenance, or a bigger issue, our experienced service techs are just a short drive from Galesburg, and our rotating selection of service and parts coupons can help you snag great savings. Stop by our showroom and garage today, or contact us with your questions!