Why Didn't My Jump Pack Work When I Needed it? - Wrenchin' Up

Jump Packs are a great way to boost a discharged battery that can't get the vehicle started and, in many cases, can be safer and easier to use than jumper cables. BUT they do need to be charged up at regular intervals - about once a month or so to be sure they work as expected because they can self-discharge over time. My guest, Brian Butler from Schumacher Electric, explains how and why. While I was there, he also showed me some of the different types of jump packs the company produces.
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Wrenchin' Up with Jim Bates strives to deliver automotive technical information and ideas from manufacturers and engineers to interested technicians and enthusiasts on a weekly basis. A new video is uploaded almost every Wednesday.
Due to factors beyond the control of Wrenchin' Up with Jim Bates, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Wrenchin' Up with Jim Bates assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Wrenchin' Up with Jim Bates recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Wrenchin' Up with Jim Bates, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Wrenchin' Up with Jim Bates.
Twitter: @jimfbates

[@warbonethewicked5591]

So, let met get this straight, I purchased the 2260 model and used it 3 times, now I can't recharge the unit and I need to replace the battery pack? Seems a lot of upkeep for a 129$ unit.....

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for your comment. Be sure to direct your experience and questions to the manufacturer. Their contact info is in the metadata below the video. Thanks for watching!

[@mi16t]

These things are junk. Reason? Designed to end up in landfills. Mine is not taking a charge, hence why i am watching these videos. Absolute garbage

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion and experience.

[@yonofui3755]

I just got a Schumacher jump starter it has worked for two weeks but now it's dead... Low quality product

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and sharing your experience and opinion! Looks like you have a defective product and it should be returned.

[@OgCloroxBleachgawd]

Marco Barahona me too

[@MrTopsoil911]

Garbage. We have it and charve works . but cant boost car and when u do it goes to red. Useless junk

[@innovativeintelligence4172]

This unit can actually charge from a usb phone charger in the car , I love that feature. The small ones claims it can start an 8.0 diesel engine

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.

[@maxshadow...]

I bought the Hulkman jumper and it failed to start car...even in GOD mode...nothing. Had a friend call AAA and they used a big hand held blue jumper and my car started right up. Why don't those little lithium battery packs work?

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi Thanks for watching! I live in the north woods. My experience is that they never work here in the winter. Just not the right tool.

[@timtune7231]

Had many over the decades. They work 1 out of 20 times. Batteries always dead or too low. Jumper cables or call a tow company. Waste of money, time, maintenance requirements, etc.etc. Hard no.

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and sharing your experience with these things!

[@Toms_Short_Movies]

Try a super capacitor jump starter and you will be impressed. No internal batteries to go flat.

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion and this tip.

[@angenettaivy8918]

I can understand the pack not working after a couple months of not being charged. What about the ones you buy right off the box that doesn't work it's what I was looking for

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! My personal opinion is that the pack would be defective and should be returned.

[@JQUICK21]

If you hook it up to a dead battery and the vehicle does not start are you dead in the water...done? Or do you need to leave it charge for a while or what? I used mine yesterday after leaving my vehicle's key in the on position for a few hours or so and it did not jump start my vehicle....

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! The owner's manual that came with my jump pack says to periodically plug it in to maintain a charge. If yours hasn't been plugged in for a while that might be the issue. I also recommend that you check with the manufacture about this. Their contact information is in the video's description.

[@wellokayyes1266]

I left mine plugged in and still didn’t work. I may as well try to jump start off a couple double a batteries. 😒

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!

[@VvegaA1987]

For how long do you have to charge it ?

[@ktk3062]

😂

[@Tibadude]

Too bad those small Lithium jump packs dont work then they are ice cold. I have tired several brands...all fail to work, when a 4 yr old traditional bulky lead acid jumper works every time.

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for your comment. Yes, those types of batteries sure do not like the cold and seem to loose power fast. Thanks for watching!

[@cincinnatislider]

My Tacklife starts my motorcycle just fine; it basically has a riding lawnmower battery. It won’t start the 6.0L V8 in my work van that it claims it does. Not even close!

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!

[@colgateslocksmithservicein7257]

i have a brand new Shumacher jump starter power station all in one and it will not take a charge.Says 100% with a dead battery

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! Looks like you need to return it as defective.

[@charlesosbun9381]

Over heated in the trunk? I can’t store my O’Reilly’s Super Start in the trunk of my Miata b/c if my battery is dead, the key fob will not open the trunk! Any solutions? Thanks!

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! Does the owner’s manual have a solution to this problem?

[@ElijahSmith78]

I have the smallest...there's no power on switch....it did not work...how do you power on if there's no power on switch...just a light switch is all I seen

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! I'm not familiar with all of the models, so I can only recommend that you check the manual or instruction sheet that came with the unit.

[@Divocwax]

Why have a battery with cables coming off it(jump starter) which you know will go flat with time alone, only to find you have no real way of evaluating it's usefulness apart from using it - which may not work. So then you have two dud batteries and a car which won't start. Surely one dud battery and a car which won't start is more than enough misery?

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion! The owner's manual that came with mine says to periodically plug it in to maintain a charge. The LEDs (Green and RED) on the panel tell me when the pack will work and when it won't, so I would recommend a Jump Pack with those features.

[@johnhughes4967]

let's see this jump starter start a dead battery in the cold.

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi John - Good challenge. Let's see if Schumacher comes up with a video that addresses that. Thanks for watching!

[@silentmajority8518]

John: On a very cold day with a mostly drained batt, these types of chargers wont work.

[@kk6aw]

Silent Majority: if the unit is cold as in stored in the vehicles trunk, it most likely will not work. If it is stored in a warm environment, it may start the vehicle assuming it has been charged within the last 30 days.

[@maltesecross761]

My Chrysler has been going thru battery drain issues. I grabbed a float charger from harbor freight and one of these jump packs. Hopefully I don't get stranded.

[@michaelmilkovich4836]

I jumped a dead battery one with yesterday in northern mn where the temp was -18 F

[@texwinnop9109]

I'll tell you exactly what to do with a schumacher. Throw it in the garbage. Better yet, don't buy one.

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion!

[@roblee4024]

I have one of these jump starters it'll start your car in the cold weather but then your car shuts off cuz the battery is extremely drained so it's not that good

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for your interesting comment and Thanks for watching!

[@JLFULMER21022]

Great video! Btw, that guy behind you must be really thirsty!!😅

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! I couldn't believe they wanted me to film in front of that backdrop!

[@cherylford1074]

We are 75 years old

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! I hope the video is helpful.

[@ajfrancis700]

On cars where that battery isn't accessible & there is a nut with red wire in the engine bay & another nut for ground, I'm finding my jump pack won't start these types of cars but does jump cars when you can hook it up direct to the car battery terminals, anyone else having this problem???

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! This is a common problem with some vehicles and some jump packs. In these cases, the jump pack, connected to the "jump posts" under the hood, could be used to access the battery (open the trunk, move seats, etc.) then be connected directly to the battery. Not the best situation but sometimes the only solution.

[@agstalandscape]

I have a portable power diehard 1150,I replaced the battery and I have problems with jumper cables they're not getting any power,battery is good. They have a fuse .?

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! Well, if the battery is good and there is nothing at the cable ends there may well be a fuse or circuit breaker. What does the owner manual say?

[@alextreseder6274]

Iron out your green screen

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - It was actually some kind of covering they had on their wall. Ugg. Thanks for noticing though! ;-)

[@kevinhuff8183]

Mine set for 6-7 months now it won't charge. Any ideas?

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! The internal battery may be sulfated if it just sat that long without being charged monthly and may have to be replaced.

[@redeye9042]

Schumacher battery charger built 4 power 600 not charging . Purchase last April from advanced auto is there a reset in side

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! Not that I know of. Maybe it's defective and you can return it.

[@surferbri5346]

No , it’s garbage I’ve had 3 all trash

[@tylerdurden9748]

Why did you film in front of a garage backdrop? On the left hand side of the backdrop there is a mechanic working on a tire 🤣😂🤣😂😁

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! Because, believe it or not, that's what the client wanted.

[@tylerdurden9748]

@@WrenchinUpwithJimBates well regardless it was still an informative video, thanks!

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - You're welcome and thanks again for watching!

[@hunterkessler1369]

What happens when hooked up backeards

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! Usually the smoke gets let out of electrical components and expensive stuff.

[@MrTrevorkemp]

I have one of these except to die hard but it's much like the bigger one and I have a car that I store it in that's it a neighbor's house cuz I don't have enough room to park that car and instead of having to go grab it out of the car once a month I have a little 1.5 watt 12 volt solar panel that has a built-in charge controller I just plugged that solar panel into each or volt socket that connects directly to the battery in the jumper box and it keeps the battery topped off it tops it off on a pretty much daily basis especially if we have some light so those bigger ones that have the 12-volt sockets in them that smaller one you can actually use the 1.5 watt Thunderbolt solar panel as a maintainer and if you have it in a car that you're using for storage that you hardly ever drive just run the solar panel from someplace where it gets sunlight everyday and plug it into the 12-volt socket on the jumper box and it's pretty much just one of those things where you don't have to worry about it too much.

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for your tips comments and Thanks for watching!

[@rogerjean5403]

How long must I charge my jump pack 4?

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! Whatever the manual that comes with it says. For example, the one that I have has a red and green led and I have to charge it until the green let lights up. My Li-Ion Pack has a display that tells me when it is at 100%.

[@rogerjean5403]

Ya mine was given to me by mom but I think it's bitten the dust it's not holding any charge now that's why I was asking mom never gave me manual .

[@darkzerk7]

Larger (+60Ah) batteries wont charge up with these tiny joke boosters that supply a very small current. The only way to get a car like that running, especially in cold weather, is using jump start cables with another car.

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and for your comment. I suppose it comes from personal experience with these things?

[@darkzerk7]

@@WrenchinUpwithJimBates Absolutely, Jim. I was called upon dozens and dozens of times to boost 60-90Ah batteries during the winter. The 60's might be barely 'resurrectable' with a very powerful jump pack like a 800A Telwin. The ones above that will not rise back from the dead without cables using another healthy car, no matter what. That is if the battery is completely drained, of course.

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks again for sharing! My experience has been similar in the cold Wisconsin winters.

[@livewithnick]

@@darkzerk7 the largest was 1200 amp. I’ve started John Deere tractors with them many times.

[@kevindiaz-lane4404]

How to revive a dead Schumacher Redfuel SL65 Jump Starter or other similar devices Symptoms: my friend’s unit would show 100% charge when connected to wall charger. When disconnected from wall charger, sliding power switch on and pressing power button next to display - nothing happens. This is what I recommend and why: I checked the voltage at the output terminals using a digital volt meter (where you connect the jumper cable attachment) and got a reading of 0.7V. What happened is my friend Roger probably drained the unit below the 40% charge level or didn’t charge it for an extended period of time and the internal lithium battery (3 cells connected in series) drained below the voltage threshold the charging circuit needs to detect in order to initiate charging process when connected to wall charger. What to do: 1) You will need a 12VDC power source like a car battery, battery charger or probable even a 9V radio battery. The idea is to connect this power source directly to the unit’s jump start output connector (observing correct polarity - very important! You can verify polarity by holding jumper cable that plugs into unit in correct orientation and verifying the red cable is positive terminal) 2) get 2 insulated wires at least 10” long. The idea is to connect your ~12V power source in parallel to the jump start output terminals of the jump starter unit. If you’re using a household 9V square battery, I recommend you leave it connected for say 20 minutes, the other 2 example sources probably only need to be connected 1 minute. After this disconnect the wires. 3) With the SL65 switch set to “on” press the power test button next to the display - is it shows 1% with the “1” flashing you have succeeded, if not return to step 2 4) Connect the SL65 to the wall charger and allow unit to fully charge. This will take 4-8 hours depending on the device you have Because of the design of the internal charging circuit of these units, if the internal batteries are allowed to fully discharge, if the charging circuit sees < 1Volt, it assumes the battery is bad and will not commence charging process. How many of these amazing electronic jump starters are ending in land fills because of this simple mistake or neglect on the part of consumers. The manufacturer also bears some responsibility - a very simple design modification in the microprocessor would correct this vulnerability but then they wouldn’t sell as much product.

[@12Mn730]

Kevin Diaz-Lane can you explain the part where you hook the external battery to the jumpstart cables and how one does this. I’m sorry I am not familiar really with the terminology you are using but I am certain that this is the problem I am having. Thanks! Haley

[@12Mn730]

Specifically what is meant by correct polarity? Positive to positive? Negative to negative? Do you have to connect one side first prior to the other? Also for the insulated wire what type of connector should you use to connect them. Thanks?

[@12Mn730]

Ok also can you just cut the ends off of a phone charger that doesn’t work anymore and use that with some electrical tape? Thanks again!

[@masterdebater8757]

@@12Mn730 I think what is being explained here is a work around for reviving a miss-used lithium jump pack. Due to the design and safeties built in to the unit the normal method of charging will not work if the unit is discharged below a set voltage per cell. Normal lithium cells max voltage is around 4.2volts per cell and lowest voltage the circuitry is designed to start charging is lets say 2.7volts (O% state of charge for lithium). So the control board will not start a charge cycle if the battery is reading lower than 2.7volts per cell. The work around explained appears to be back feeding the unit through the jumper clamps to bring the cell voltage to a point where normal charging can commence or it fools the control circuit to thing it is inside that 2.7-4.2 volt per cell window. thus giving opportunity to revive the unit. This is a common problem with circuit control lithium chargers and as the OP stated could be fixed with a better control circuit setup. Although degradation occurs and possible unwanted outcomes from mistreating certain lithium chemistries many people have found such work arounds to revive lithium batteries that are depleted to this point and still getting useful life from them after the fact such as is with those recycling cells from bad battery packs and using bursts of voltage to revive cells depleted below 2.7volt that would not charge in normal charge stations. Again some risk is involved but good results are always better than the common action of disposing of and replacing such units/packs/cells. The OP was correct manufacturers need to fix the standardized circuit controls to keep these batteries out of the land fill and more appropriate ways of disposal need to be found preferably recycling them properly. As for his instructions they seem clear cut enough. Insulated wire would refer to something like a cheap extension cord with the ends cut off or some speaker wire or something like that 12-16AWG size not a small wire like a cellphone charger would have. Hope that helps although likely a little late but that is how it goes with YT comment section lol ... Good luck.

[@blueice293]

Wonderful video thanks

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@jaytomheldman5170]

when I jump start my battery with another car after having left the lights on too long, i must wait several minutes after connecting the two batteries until my car will crank the engine. the head lights in my car will shine immediately, the alarm sounds, the dask board lights up. I assume by battery is absorbing volts during the several minute wait. does a portable jump starter also deliver volts to the not start battery if connected for several minutes before attempting to crank the engine? does the jump starter provide more amps to the cranking engine than another car with engine running?

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi Jay - I think the portable jump starter will deliver current to the "dead" battery like any other battery would but probably will not deliver more current than another car with the engine running. That said, be sure to check with Schumacher to be sure. Their contact information is in the video description. Thanks for watching!

[@webbwalle]

Lame!

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion!

[@ansdguy1]

It’s time to take this obsolete video down. Portable jump starters today are much, much smaller than these lead acid antiques and are now powered by lithium ion storage batteries. Yes, there are still some larger units out there, but they tend to gave several functions like a build in air compressor and the like.

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi Ron - Thanks for watching and for your comment. Nope, I'll be leaving it up since all of the portable jump starter types you mentioned in your comment are covered in the video. Besides, all of us who live in the upper Midwest know that those little lithium Ion devices WILL NOT jump start a mostly discharged 12 volt battery in our mighty cold winters. And yes, even the smaller inexpensive lead-acid ones won't either!

[@darkzerk7]

Those small lithium ion packs you can put in your pocket wont start your car in the middle of freezing winter no matter how many cold crank amps the device "promises". I would not say they are a scam, but they are useless in northern climates. Find out the hard way by experience.

[@masterdebater8757]

Link to your Lithium pack with a 120psi compressor?

[@mikex8254]

best cells for cold weather use said to be lithium titanate cells and upto 20,000 cycles life

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi Mike - Thanks for the tip and Thanks for watching!

[@CristianoRonaldo-wt4oj]

Old man, you're using oudated junk from the cold war.. Get a good lithium ion modern jump starter that can fit in your pocket. 12000mah minimum..

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi Chris - Interesting comment. I did get the Schumacher Red Fuel Lithium pack. It barely works in our Wisconsin winters so I doubt the little one that fits in your pocket would do much better. Well, you know the old saying - "with age comes wisdom". By the way I looked at your channel. What part of the country do you live in where your little one seems to work?

[@CristianoRonaldo-wt4oj]

Jim Bates With age comes wisdom, yes - but the younger ones are more knowledgeable about new technology.. Go on Amazon.com where you will find the best compact jump starters, no need to carry one the size of a suitcase with you. look up NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 for example.. One of the best ones out there. $100

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi Chris - Yes, they certainly seem to be much of the time. Thanks for the tip! Hopefully some one will test one at -20F and give us a report.

[@0oeoeeo]

Chris Cristian you’ve got two shitty first names man

[@donnalee9766]

@@0oeoeeo HA! Like OCCIO is better? PLLLEEEZE

[@FRESHhitsss69]

they sell jumpers that fit in your pocket these are ridiculous haha

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Hi - Thanks for watching! Some of them may be OK, but none of them I tried worked in our cold Wisconsin winters.

[@7356205]

I believe that! Thanks