Most Acura service tasks should be left to professionals, but jump-starting a battery is a skill every driver needs. When your battery doesn’t have the power to start, jump-starting is a quick way to make sure you get home safely. Afterwards, though, make sure to visit Acura of Sherman Oaks for battery service. Here are the steps to jump-starting a car battery.
Gather Your Supplies and Prepare the Vehicles
Before you begin, you'll need a set of jumper cables and a vehicle with a working battery. Park the vehicles close enough for the cables to reach, but make sure they do not touch. Locate the battery terminals on both vehicles, removing any plastic covers if necessary. Turn off both vehicles and set the parking brakes before connecting the cables.
Connect the Jumper Cables
Start by connecting the red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the working battery. Next, connect a black clamp to the negative terminal of the working battery. Finally, connect the remaining black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the vehicle with the dead battery, such as a grounding bolt or part of the frame.
Start the Vehicles and Remove the Cables
Start the vehicle with the working battery and let it run for three to five minutes. Then try starting the vehicle with the dead battery. Once it starts successfully, carefully remove the cables in the reverse order they were attached. Begin with the black clamp connected to the metal surface, followed by the black clamp on the working battery, then the red clamp on the working battery, and finally the red clamp on the previously dead battery.
To ensure your battery stays charged, let it run or drive it for at least 15 minutes. Finally, turn off the car and start it again. If the charge was successful, your engine should start as normal. If it doesn’t start, get it towed to our service center.
Get Battery Service in Sherman Oaks, CA
Jumping your battery will get you home, but it’s still a sign you need battery service. Make an appointment with our team at our Sherman Oaks Acura dealership for a complete tune-up. We’ll test, repair, and replace your battery so you can drive with confidence all year long, so schedule your appointment before you run out of juice!
