Why Won’t My Car Battery Jump?
Having troubles starting your car lately? It could be because your car battery won’t jump. While many people assume that jumpstarting a car is a quick and easy fix, it’s not always the case. Read on to learn the answers to all your questions about why your battery won’t jump and what you can do about it.
Possible Reasons for No Jumpstart
- Old Battery – Over time, a car battery can wear down, so even if your jump cable and another car is working correctly, the old battery may not have enough power left to start the car.
- Damaged Cables – If the jump cables are damaged or have a poor connection, the current flow will be disrupted.
- Weakened Alternator – A weakened alternator can prevent a jumpstart because the alternator cannot efficiently recharge the battery.
- Sulfated Lead-Acid Batteries – If a car battery has sat for a long time, it can sulfate (a process where the lead plates are covered in lead sulfate). This means the battery can’t generate enough power and a jump start is rendered useless.
How to Diagnose Your Car Battery Not Jumping
If your car battery won’t jump and you can’t be sure of the reason, you can diagnose any issues with a few simple steps:
- Ensure the other car has a strong enough battery – The other car needs to have a good, strong battery to jumpstart yours. Make sure the other car’s battery is at least 12.4 volts.
- Check the connections – Check all the connections between the jump cable and your car and the other car. Make sure that the clamps are firmly fixed to the battery terminals.
- Check the cables – Inspect the cables for fractures, tears, or fraying. Make sure that the connection points are not corroded or covered in dirt.
- Just try the other car again – Sometimes the problem can be solved by simply switching the car you are using to jumpstart your car.
Conclusion
If your car battery won’t jump, don’t fret. With some thorough investigation and troubleshooting, you can usually figure out why. If all else fails, it’s always a good idea to take it to a professional to get it fixed.
4. Have you checked the terminals for corrosion?
No, I have not checked the terminals for corrosion. I would recommend doing that before attempting any other repairs.
3. Are the jumper cables in good working order?
Yes, jumper cables are typically made to last for a long time, and as long as they have not been damaged, they should be in good working order.
1. What type of battery are you trying to jump?
The type of battery being jumped depends on the model and make of the vehicle. The battery may be a lead-acid or a lithium-ion battery.
2. Is the battery fully charged?
Yes, the battery is likely to be fully charged when it’s new or if it has been recently recharged.
5. Is the jumper capable of providing the necessary amps for the battery?
Yes, a jumper can provide the necessary amps for the battery. A typical jumper cable setup can provide up to 400 amps of power, which is more than enough to start most car batteries.