How to Properly Jump-Start A Car

If you’re stuck in Lumberton because your car won’t start, there’s no need to worry. Learning how to jump-start a car is quick and easy, although you should always take care around a vehicle’s engine to avoid injury. Learn how to properly jump-start a car with the team at Nissan of Lumberton and soon you’ll be back on Pembroke roads and on with your day! If after reading this guide you still have trouble jump-starting your car, we recommend contacting a jump-start car service like AAA or scheduling a service appointment with your local Nissan service center. 

How to Jump-Start a Car

The proper way to jump-start a car involves a set of jumper cables and another vehicle. You can find jumper cables for sale at any Rowland auto store, shopping center, and even in some gas stations. Once you have those two items, park the vehicles so they’re facing each other and follow the instructions below:

1. With both cars facing each other, turn off the working vehicle and ensure both cars are in park. 
2. Open the hoods to both vehicles and locate the batteries. Some vehicles may have their batteries housed in covered containers. 
3. Find the positive ( + ) and negative ( – ) terminals. Use a rag to clean them of any water, grease, dirt, or corrosion. Some battery terminals may be covered by a plastic cap. Remove the cab to access the terminal but don’t throw it away.
4. Take your jumper cables and connect one of the red clamps to the positive ( + ) terminal on the dead car’s battery.
5. Take the other red clamp and connect it to the positive ( + ) battery terminal on the working vehicle. 
6. Take a black clamp and connect it to the negative ( – ) battery terminal on the working vehicle. 
7. Take the other black clamp and connect it to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car’s frame. 
8. With everything connected, start the engine of the working vehicle first. Then start the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery. 
9. With the dead vehicle jump-started, remove the cables in the reverse order they were put on. Take care not to let the metal tips of each cable touch each other. Then shut off the vehicle that was used to jump-start the dead car.
10. Allow the vehicle with the newly-started battery to run for at least 10 minutes. This allows the alternator in your vehicle to charge the battery so it will start again later on.

Why Your Car Won’t Jump-Start

If your car won’t jump-start after you’ve tried the instructions above, read below to see some of the common problems it could be and schedule a service appointment at your local Fairmont-area Nissan service center. 

1. If your car frequently needs a jump-start, you could have a bad battery. You can have your current battery inspected and order a new one from a local Nissan dealership. 
2. If you attempt to start your car and only hear a clicking sound, there could be an issue with your starter. In this situation, you may need to call a tow truck and have your vehicle delivered to a local service center. 
3. If the lights, radio, and other electric systems in your vehicle turn on, but your engine won’t turn over and start, it could be your ignition switch, battery, starter, or a blown fuse. Your local Nissan service technician can identify the issue for you. 
4. If you allow your vehicle to sit for 10 minutes after being jump-started, but the vehicle fails to start again later on, the issue could be your alternator. This will need to be determined by a certified Nissan service technician, but a replacement alternator can be ordered by our parts department. 

Have Your Battery Checked at Nissan of Lumberton

Whether you need a battery replacement or an oil change, the team at Nissan of Lumberton will help you keep your Nissan running like new. Schedule a service appointment with us today, then browse our service specials to save on your visit. We look forward to helping you keep your Nissan running smoothly in Lumberton!