Jump-Starting an Automatic Car

When your car’s battery is running low, you can start an automatic transmission vehicle by jump-starting it with another vehicle or a portable battery booster. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Vehicles: Park the working vehicle next to your car so the batteries are close but the cars are not touching. Turn off both engines and put both cars in park or neutral, with the parking brake on.

2. Locate the Batteries: Open the hood of both cars and locate the batteries. The battery terminals are usually covered with red (positive) and black (negative) plastic caps.

3. Connect the Jumper Cables:

   • Connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery.
   • Attach the other end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the working battery.
   • Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal (-) of the working battery.
   • Attach the other end of the black (negative) jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on your car, away from the battery and the carburetor/fuel injection system.

4. Start the Working Vehicle: Start the engine of the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.

5. Start Your Car: Try to start your car. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few more minutes and try again.

6. Remove the Cables:

   • Once your car starts, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order of how you attached them:
     1. Remove the black (negative) cable from the metal surface on your car.
     2. Remove the black (negative) cable from the working battery.
     3. Remove the red (positive) cable from the working battery.
     4. Remove the red (positive) cable from the dead battery.

7. Let Your Car Run: Keep your car running for at least 10-15 minutes to recharge the battery. Avoid turning off the engine until you reach your destination or a place where you can get a new battery.

8. Get the Battery Checked: It’s important to have your battery and charging system checked by a professional to avoid future issues.

If jump-starting doesn’t work or if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to contact a professional mechanic or roadside assistance service for help.

When jump-starting an automatic transmission vehicle, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind to ensure safety and success:

1. Check the Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and precautions related to jump-starting your vehicle.

2. Safety Precautions:

   • Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from battery acid and sparks.
   • Ensure that the jumper cables are not tangled or touching each other.

3. Avoid Sparks:

   • Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal surfaces on both vehicles to avoid sparks.
   • Do not smoke or allow open flames near the batteries.

4. Proper Connection:

   • Ensure the jumper cable clamps are securely attached to the battery terminals to ensure a good connection.
   • Do not allow the clamps to touch any metal surfaces other than the battery terminals.

5. Patience:

   • It may take a few attempts to start your car, especially if the battery is severely depleted.
   • If the engine doesn’t start after a few tries, there may be another issue that requires professional attention.

6. After Starting:

   • Once your car is running, keep the engine running for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.
   • Avoid turning off the engine until you reach your destination or a place where you can get a new battery.

7. Battery Replacement:

   • If your battery frequently loses its charge or is more than five years old, consider replacing it to avoid future issues.

8. Professional Assistance:

   • If you’re unsure about jump-starting your vehicle or if it doesn’t start after several attempts, it’s best to seek help from a professional mechanic or roadside assistance service.

By following these guidelines and safety precautions, you can safely jump-start your automatic transmission vehicle and get back on the road.