FAQs
How Do I Jump Start My Car?
READ COMPLETELY BEFORE BEGINNING!
Basic Battery Jumper Cable Instructions
* Park the car that will be used as the jumper vehicle near enough for the jumper cables to reach to the front of the car that is going to be jumped, and shut off engine. (or were the battery is located, most vehicles are located in the front, under the hood)
* With the engine off open the hood on both cars and connect the red jumper cable connector on the positive (+ red) side of the battery of the car that has the dead battery. Once the jumper cable end is attached slightly wiggle the jumper connector back and forth to assure a good electrical connection. Next repeat this procedure to the battery in the jumper car so both red jumper cables are connected to their respective batteries. (Do not allow the black and red cable ends to connect at anytime)
* Then attach the black connector of the jumper cables to the negative (- black) terminal of the car with the dead battery. Next, attach the remaining black jumper cable connector to an engine accessory bracket such as an alternator or air conditioner compressor mount away from the engine belt system. The reason we do not connect the last connector at the negative battery terminal is to avoid sparks at the battery. Sparks on or near the battery can cause the battery to explode. While explosions are rare they will more likely occur to a battery that is low on charge or a battery that has just been charged this is why the final circuit connection is at an engine ground source.
* Next, step back from both hood areas of both vehicles. With all the accessories turned off and both cars gear selectors in park with the emergency brake on start the engine of the jumper car (car with good battery) and allow to idle for about 5 minutes. Then, manually increase the engine speed to a little faster then idle speed (about 1500 RPM) by holding the accelerator down slightly for about 10 minutes. You are creating a charging system for the dead battery by the alternator of the car that is running.
* Next, crank over the car's engine with the dead battery, it should crank over and start. Once the engine has started manually increase the engine speed to about 1500 RPM and hold for about 10 minutes. While the car that had the dead battery is running shut off the engine of the jumper car, and remove the black jumper cable end. Then, carefully remove the back jumper cable connector from the now charging dead battery. Next, remove the red jumper cable connector from the jumper car and close the hood. Finally, remove the remaining jumper cable connector and close the hood.
* While the dead battery car is running inspect the charge inductor light on the instrument cluster. If it is illuminated the charging system is having a problem and needs to be checked. If repeated jump starts are required and the charging system has check out ok the battery has failed to hold a charge or there is a electrical draw in the system.
* If you have followed this procedure and the vehicle still has not started the battery may have failed (shorted) internally and can not be jump started or you have a failed battery connection and further troubleshooting is required.
How do I check my fluid levels?
Checking Engine Oil Level - First check the engine oil level (if you are changing the engine oil, check the oil level after the oil change has been performed) This engine oil level dip stick is usually indicated by a yellow handle. There are two level indicator marks on the dip stick, upper level and lower level. The distance in between these marks represents one quart, if the oil is in between the marks the level is ok. If the oil level is below the lower level mark or not on the dip stick at all engine oil must be added until oil is between the inductor lines. Use a shop towel is wipe the excess oil from the dip stick and random drips.
Checking Engine Coolant Level - Engine coolant is used to transfer heat from the engine to the radiator by the cooling system. The radiator removes heat from the coolant by forcing air through the radiator cooling fins. Without coolant your engine will over heat and if left unattended severe engine damage will occur. Engine coolant colors can vary from green, orange, blue and yellow each having there own unique protective and environmental properties. Coolant leaks are a common car problem that can lead to overheating. The engine must be cold before you can check the engine coolant level, the cooling system when hot can hold up to 18 P.S.I. and when released can cause personal injury. Allow the engine to cool preferably over night. Inspect the engine coolant level in the coolant reservoir tank, coolant level should be between the hot and cold marks. If the coolant level is below the low limit line add engine coolant, if the engine coolant is extremely low or the reservoir is empty the cooling system may have a leak. - Engine Coolant Leaks
Checking Transmission Fluid Level - The automatic transmission consists of: a transmission case, planetary gear-sets, valve body, fluid cooler (in radiator) and a torque converter or fluid coupler. A torque converter utilizes transmission fluid as a coupling agent allowing the engine to run while the car is stopped without stalling the engine. And then re-engaging to make the car move again once the RPM of the engine has increased. A series of clutch and band controlled planetary gear sets provide multiple forward gear ratios with a set reverse gear. The valve body is the hydraulic control center which receives pressurized fluid via the main transmission pump. This system relies on proper transmission fluid levels to operate correctly. To check transmission fluid levels, start the engine in the park position and allow the engine to idle. Next remove the transmission level dip stick is it usually located with a red handle on it. There are two level indicator marks, upper level and lower level on the dip stick. The distance in between these marks represent a pint, if the fluid is in between the marks the level is ok. If the fluid level is below the lower level mark or not on the dip stick at all transmission fluid must be added until the fluid level is between the inductor lines. Transmission fluid is added through the dip stick tube using a transmission fluid funnel or similar funnel. Use a shop towel is wipe the excess fluid from the dip stick and random fluid drips. (note: some cars do not have an transmission dip stick, fluid level inductor and can not be checked without proper equipment, consult your owners manual or get an online repair manual for specific information on your car).
