Dead Battery? No Crank? Best Way to Jumpstart Your Car: How to Do It, and Why!

Ever had a dead battery in your car or truck? Do you know the best way to jumpstart? In this video, Len shows you his preferred method for jumpstarting a car or truck with a dead battery, but he doesn't stop there! He also shows you how it works! He also shows you some easy ways to check out the health of your battery while you're at it, to see if the dead battery was a simple mistake, or a sign of a deeper problem!
For more on testing battery health, watch this:
• Testing Battery Health...
For more great introductory car knowledge videos, check this playlist:
• Car Knowledge
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/chi/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@toddmasterton4221]

Hi

[@keirondrick979]

@@toddmasterton4221😊😊

[@kevindunlap8309]

"Hang on, I gotta run home and get my multimeter..." 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@1AAuto]

+Kevin Dunlap Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@sandracruz2662]

I’ve got to jump start my vehicle tomorrow without anyone’s help. Felt a bit insecure after watching other videos but not after yours. The explanations were clear and to the point. Great video!! 👏

[@wiljowit]

Thanks for explaining thoroughly and not wasting my time. Well done.

[@chitown38]

You may wanna add that some cars have a "jump post" for jumping a dead battery. My older model Mercedes Benz battery is covered in 20 minutes of plastic removal to get to the battery. There is a separate battery jumping post location so you don't have to bother removing all the fragile plastic. In other words, tell them to always refer to their owners manual when possible.

[@1AAuto]

Good point! Thank you for the input! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@kensharpe5545]

Great job off explaining the process in a step by step process & then explaining why you do so. Thank you

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching!

[@StrengthJourney]

Thanks this worked for my veercle

[@kras8724]

Very well done/ informative video about "all" questions one would have about jumping a car. This is a must see.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you!

[@samblack727]

This was so helpful. Thank you so much! 👍

[@rockymanify]

This was probably one of the best tutorials I've seen on this subject. Great job!

[@1AAuto]

+P. Galvan Thanks for the feedback!

[@heroknaderi]

Very cool detailed information ℹ appreciate it. I have a 2013 Toyota Avalon limited and the battery is completely dead. I will use your advice to start it up 😎😁

[@ThatVia]

Amazing video, very informative.

[@TheCirrostratus]

Excellent video 1AAuto, show us "know your mechanic - Len" as Andy and Sue 👍✌

[@1AAuto]

+TheCirrostratus Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@alexmerel9924]

Great job explaining

[@oldlittlebluejeans]

Very helpful,thank you!

[@nofapSally]

This is very comprehensive and helpful for someone like myself how knows basically nothing. Unfortunately though, I have a larger 4wd with a flat battery and am trying to use a v6 sedan to jump it. Is that even doable?

[@taip1765]

Perfectly explained!

[@JosieF3G]

This was a great video on the battery and how to charge it. My daughter and I learned a lot from it as we were trying to learn how to jump start her dead car battery you gave more above and beyond information than any other video we watched and it was easy to understand thank you very much I saved this

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching!

[@billzardus95]

That's some very good parenting there, missy.

[@VanessaCordero-cz1cv]

I like how you use the multimeter helping in identifying whether or not it's the alternator or the battery that is the issue...

[@ufsee82]

As usual, the best! Thanks

[@keninglis178]

Hi and thank you for providing an excellent video. One question I would ask is that you do not say if there is a need to top up your battery distilled water to the correct level to prevent the internal plates from buckling under stress?

[@jasonotero3686]

All done and well described

[@ahotdj07]

@3:20 I was always taught the the red cable goes to the + dead battery and then the + to the good battery. Then - to good battery and - to dead battery.

[@jesusthroughmary]

It doesn't matter which order you connect the positives, nothing will happen until you connect the negative

[@ynotspank1]

My go-to channel. 👍🏼

[@nenaquirarte4826]

Good explanation 👏👏

[@PedroPerez80927]

Thanks for the info. 👍👍👍

[@1AAuto]

No problem 👍 Thanks for watching! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@CrIMiN8l]

Very good informative video, you missed 1 thing… how long should your (test) drive be?? 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@dm7622]

Appreciate the tips 👍🏽👍🏽

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@mahmoudalshawi2010]

Thanks for the info Len...

[@1AAuto]

+Mahmoud Al Shawi Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@jasonotero3686]

Well done and well describe

[@jaguarwealthymn5877]

I understand everything here. Thanks be golden when such videos are posted. Potentially somebody can answer a question here though I've got a bus here with two batteries and I went to jump start it with a Ford Econoline van. The red positive to the red positive from the dead to the live. Then the ground from the live to the frame and try the negative battery terminal using heavy duty battery cables top-of-the-line with a light indicator box. Red light says connect wrong greenlight says jump okay . I connect the hot terminals and as soon as I connect the negative terminal; the jumper cables tell me wrong connect and red light. My question is why what is causing it to say wrong connect?

[@Matthawkins83]

On my mums 95 Suzuki Swift HB 4cyl 5pd. I had a world pack battery installed in 2011 and lasted till 2021! She rarely drove it. Short drive to! I have the car now & have 6 yr warranty on BCAA battery!

[@rickl.1603]

I learned something, thanks

[@chastoncotton]

Liked the video, but by the state of that battery, I would recommend a new battery not a recharge especially with the extra draw on it.

[@mushy18100]

I recently swapped an engine in my 2000 Honda Civic DX Hatch. Battery, alternator, starter are all brandnew but I noticed that my battery is slowly draining its juice, I suspect it could be a defective/faulty alternator or not enough ground might be the problem. I will have my alternator tested today if that may be the culprit.

[@citizenwolf8720]

Thank you! 👍

[@ruolov1]

There was a new battery installed in the vehicle last night outside in the cold weather here in NY. We turned on the vehicle. Should there be a smell after the battery installation?

[@mohammadshahrahimi1986]

Fantastic… tips thanks

[@anahudson9802]

Thank you so much

[@fordstoolreviews9964]

One thing you should do in your videos is when you're doing this...use a terminal brush to clean the terminals. The more crap on them, them more resistance there is. No wonder they won't start and maintain a charge. Clean and seal your battery terminals regularly. And I'd highly recommend upgrading from OEM to Aftermarket Brass Connectors. They help against electric distortion.

[@cincinnguyen7089]

just kings and queens do their thing. Domination 😂❤

[@TommyG11814]

Really like your videos

[@1AAuto]

+TommyG1814 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@rftree7737]

Hi I l ove your channel Bro ,is High Info I have a quest I have a 2011 F250 gas truck my battery is dead I did jump with my Jeep xj 1999 I did the same about the dead battery my F250 I connect the Negative a metal part and red in red , connect Pos and Neg my jeep but won't start and I decide connect the Neg to Neg in my battery and start right away ,my quest is I did right or that is the way supposed for Ford F250 truck Thanks !!

[@craigjohnson2101]

When checking battery voltage with meter, you should turn on the head lights and read voltage. This will put a load on the battery to get a true reading.

[@Kay-xi9kv]

Great video, thanks! How long should the car be driven to fully recharge after jumping the battery?

[@gracesmith9125]

I usually get the car up to speed 2 rpm and then straight to AutoZone or some place have it tested for free and the alternator too Then head home Remember alternator and battery go hand in hand

[@pheena_michelle]

It’s the safety glasses for me 🥽👩🏾‍🔬

[@briismith5542]

Got a Pontiac Bonneville..battery under back seat...how to start the car without takin back seat out..my dad never had to do that...put a cable to a metal or the starter..please help me out

[@mr.nobody4900]

Idea for a video. How to buy jumper cables, so many gauge s? To choose from, It will help the people out.

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for the idea! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@rodneyalberta2020]

hooking up a battery kill switch to my car to the negative how many amps should switch be

[@TruthSeekerAll]

Which Toyota model is the one with the dead battery? Anyone knows please inform. Thanks.

[@rickramos7771]

Goodjob

[@maldonadorafael24]

Thanks

[@archbogs]

i have jump started my vehicle. following your procedure. Still my vehicle won't start. any help please. Thanjks

[@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268]

How would you determine if the battery was overcharged or damaged by the jump? Could the different alternators be in conflict and cause problems to either systems?

[@mohammedrahman3447]

No, the power is going from battery to another. Not alternators.

[@1AAuto]

The battery would have to be tested. If it is bad most likely it was not caused by the jump. unless hooked up backwards. Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@dennysguerrero8156]

Muchas gracias por tu excelente explicación, estimado amigo de Auto Repair! 😊

[@weatherman0017]

I remember with my dodge ram last winter I was barely able start the engine. Once it did start I waited ten mins for it to warm up and when I came outside it was like in limp mode and the engine wouldn't rev or anything. I replaced the alternator and everything was good after that.

[@1AAuto]

Nice! Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@AmitThakorlovemeorhateme]

I left my car's cabin light on for like 2 days and the entire battery went down. When I went to get my car, nothing was working but the thing was that even the speedometer needle was erratically fluctuating. the battery was clicking. I disconnected it and reconnected it. I jump started the car but it turned off after like 10 minutes . again I jump started and again after 10 mins it shut down. I dont know what to do because the car was perfectly fine and now I am fearing there has been some electric damage due to low power.

[@BeckVMH]

How long should I let the dead battery charge after the jump starting? Would 15 - 20 minutes of idling and a short drive do the job?

[@HM_RELOADED]

Was that a Chris Fix keychain I saw Len?

[@sagifern4444]

Funny timing, I've just jump-started someones car 2 days ago :)

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@jameslee4284]

I HAVE AN ALTERNATOR PROBLEM IN MY VAN, HOW CAN I JUMP START IT SO I COULD MOVE IT?

[@gsjourney3054]

I noticed that my battery keeps having corrosion not a lot but I sandpapered the terminals and cables and this winter time has started to show some battery acid. My cars running fine but one day actually on Election Day my car took 4 turn overs to start. Is that just lose cables or is my battery going? At startup my battery’s about 14v and during driving it’ll be around 13.4-12.3 (05 civic ex special edition)

[@1AAuto]

+Ugh I forgot my name Thanks for checking us out! While we cannot give a proper diagnosis, it sounds like the cables may be loose if this fluctuates that much. Going over bumps or centrifugal force may cause it to not have a full connection all the time. You can always take this to a local auto shop and have them check it out in person and see what they say.

[@steveo782812]

Several comments: Can you further explain at about 5:00 you mention that it will create a fused circuit so you don't damage engine computers, but I don't see how it is different than connecting to negative post. Isn't it all a complete circuit from positive to the load to the engine ground back to the negative post. I guess I don't get how that is safer. Is there any logic to why you get corrosion on battery posts. I have seen in other places that people indicate on the different posts that it is a sign of overcharging or undercharging alternator. Is it more the battery (sealed vs unsealed) and the fact that the water ports are so close to the posts that leakage helps contribute?

[@1AAuto]

The main reason is the explosive gas caused by the battery. You don't want a spark near the battery your trying to jump. Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@RobS123]

I understood the part about the potential explosion caused by a spark when connecting the Negative jumper to the negative battery terminal (in all my years of jumping vehicles, I have NEVER had that problem), but how does connecting the Negative jumper to the frame instead of the negative battery terminal make a difference in frying the vehicle's computer? Thought that happened from accidentally mixing up the Positive and Negative jumpers.

[@Pepeekeo808]

How far or how long is a "good drive" to recharge?

[@risbill1]

Ground is ground. Battery terminal and chassis are the same electrically.

[@DuskSolution33]

To be honest last night I jump started a 2008 Ford F-350 with a 6.4 diesel with two batteries and the battery’s had like 6 volts each. I had my 2006 town car I tried starting the truck and it cranked but did not have enough power to start it. So I revved up my Lincoln and the truck started right up.

[@1AAuto]

Some times it works. Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@imranabbasi7871]

Good luck 👍

[@1AAuto]

+Imran Abbasi Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@JahanZeb1976]

Wonderful. Great information. I'm also an engineering KZbinr.

[@1AAuto]

+LearningZone Thanks for watching!

[@Juno_Beach]

Okay but our "search" question was what does slow weak crank indicate ?

[@bobmcdonald21]

Does it work if I use a power bank?

[@gunshipgray4295]

And what about the regulator..? I’ve had those go bad as well.....

[@RoB-cv7cp]

He's sooooooooooo cute he can say what he wants and if your taken sorry no disrespect lol thank you for showing us bc I had no clue :/ ..✊🏽

[@E_Legal_Alien]

A battery in Phoenix lasts about 18 months...

[@amartinez2071]

I hereby name this video "The Holly Bible of Jumpstarting".

[@g12STL]

5:56 that Chris Fix key tag!

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@teddymeyers2345]

How about 14 volts needed. To start your car

[@debbiewrest2876]

Thanks, perfectly done. Easy to understand and I jumped my Mustang with no fear of an explosion……😁

[@1AAuto]

Glad it helped!

[@kenstroede1742]

Does this work for vehicles also? Or just for veericles?

[@neillouwrens630]

If your battery is truly dead and you jumpstart the car and its now running, can you drive it to your nearest battery store?

[@fitrockx]

Yes you can as long as your alternator is not bad.

[@obedirect5491]

i wish i had known to drive my car two days ago when I got a jumpstart bc the battery's dead again.

[@blackknight9127]

With both vehicles running the alternators are working against each other

[@fatimariv47]

But it takes longer to jumó star when is connected to a ground object

[@pauldwight9188]

Wire Brush the Post Corrosion. Please..

[@georgiojansen7758]

if you connect the - cable to the bad battery first there are no sparks

[@joehyundaitech7961]

I have a better Idea how about using a portable jump starter. jumper cables went out a long time ago . no need for a second veh that is the way I go

[@1AAuto]

+JOE Hyundai Tech Thanks for the feedback!

[@Kittytravis-dv5sj]

Okay I have a question. I have the messing with hot rods my whole life I know how to jumpstart a car blah blah blah. Here's something I've never had to do. I have a piece of Dodge truck the Beast, ram 1500 piece of crap ranch truck how to get a new battery for it start it right up zero freaking oil shut it right off immediately good battery. Have a 2007 Mitsubishi eclipse ran great, lost the key for 4 months in the yard. In florida. Won't start now obviously he is damaged I'm getting a locksmith in but that is completely out of oil as well like bone dry and the battery is dead so I got a new battery put a new battery in it. Then promptly left the f****** key on all day yesterday. Trying to get a giant spider out of the car lol. So ... Mitsubishi won't start won't turn over because the key needs to be reprogrammed, can't do that without a new battery that has a charge. Can't charge the battery because my battery charger has been ruined by somebody else. Can I just take the battery out of my truck and hook them up together with cables will it just charge the car battery over time it's not going to do any good, how long will it take do you think and yes I put oil in both vehicles LOL

[@Rayzer2368]

I know you said this would work on a "veerhicle," but is this process okay to do on my vehicle?

[@DanielGarcia-zz9eg]

I jump start 5 big 18 wheelers with my Nissan Altima. No problem . I have a intestate battery and I leave it park for weeks, sometimes months. Still no issues

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@shdgddbdhfd4038]

Welcome to our how are you doing I am from Libya and I have a car Ford Explorer model 2005 v8 4.6 and I want the type of oil القير الاتوماتيك please respond and you all thanked and appreciation

[@1AAuto]

It should take 6 Quarts of 5W20 oil. Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@shdgddbdhfd4038]

Thanks for the good treatment. Second, not motor oil, I mean automatic gear oil

[@RICARD01]

Engine ground on the dead car....always. You could sit there for 30mins+ sometimes and still not be cranked with battery to battery hook up.

[@anthonybrooks1559]

@Rucard01, I've had totally different results. I've connected the negative to a body part on the dead battery and it wouldn't start. Connected it to the negative post and it started right up.

[@RICARD01]

@@anthonybrooks1559 good deal

[@katielowen]

He was in both the car AND the truck 🤯😂

[@espaxtosvidareal9813]

12.4

[@JG-yd8so]

Almost correct, DVM definitely necessary! Use a jump pack, electrical issues are like ( STDs/ STV ) . You are placing your vehicle’s electrical system at risk, may not immediately indicate damage. With today’s cars, a fuse won’t protect against all electrical damage. Be safe not sorry.

[@curtisbutters6314]

This is like the boy scouts version of how to jumpstart a vehicles holy cow safety Stan did you get your safety badge after this video

[@michellemoore6124]

Ha ha right! I laughed when he said to get your gloves and safety goggles first! Like I have that stuff sitting handy and I'm more worried about my eye then my dead battery making me late!

[@michellemoore6124]

And don't get me wrong, I like my eyes! But it's just a dead battery! It's not going any where!

[@ahotdj07]

She likes to say obviously and of course.

[@muhammedkhaliq6139]

I wish I watched this before I tried to figure it out myself (the wire got completely burnt)

[@georgejuniordreadfulwater4316]

3:09 jump start

[@user-ix2uv9er1v]

I thought you start with the positive on the dead battery

[@sjagain]

The battery in my "vericle" never drains down.

[@thatguy5346]

8