If your car is struggling to ignite or your electronics seem to be failing, chances are your car battery is dying. Should you find yourself broken down on the side of the road without power in your Jeep®, you’ll need to jump-start the battery to get back on the road. For the novice, here is a guide to jump-starting your Jeep vehicle before bringing it in for Jeep service at Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Asheville.
Prepare to Connect
Before attempting to jump-start your car battery, make sure you have the necessary tools. You'll need jumper cables and another vehicle with a working battery. If you don't have jumper cables, you can purchase them at an auto parts store, or you could ask another driver if they have them. Hopefully, a helpful driver will volunteer to share their working battery with you for your jump-start; otherwise, contact roadside assistance.
Connect the Jumper Cables
First, make sure the cables are long enough to reach both batteries, and that the clamps are clean and rust-free. Park the vehicles close enough for the jumper cables to reach both batteries, but not touching. Turn off the ignition and all accessories on both vehicles and open the hoods.
Connect the red cable to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery, then connect the other end to the positive terminal of the working battery. Next, connect the black cable to the negative terminal (-) of the working battery, then connect the other end to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or frame of the vehicle with the dead battery. Never attach it to the negative terminal on the dead battery, as this can cause sparks that could ignite flammable liquids.
Start the Engines
Start the vehicle with the working battery and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it doesn't start, wait a few minutes and try again. Once your Jeep vehicle starts, let it run for a few minutes before disconnecting the cables, and then keep it running for at least 15 minutes. This includes heading back on the road toward your destination.
Get Jeep Battery Service in the Asheville Area
If you're having trouble jump-starting your car battery, visit Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Asheville today for more help. Our team of trained technicians will gladly be able to assist you further and get you back on the road!