Find out how to jump-start an automatic car with step-by-step instructions from one of the leading auto repair websites on the internet.
Introduction
Automatic cars are becoming increasingly popular, but what happens when your battery dies and you need to jump-start it? This article will show you how to do just that!
Step by step guide on How to Jump-Start an Automatic Car?
Step One: Park the Car on a Level Surface
If you have trouble jump-starting your automatic car, the first step is to ensure you’re parked on a level surface. This will help ensure that your car doesn’t roll while trying to start it.
Step Two: Locate the Jumper Ports
If your car has a manual transmission, it will have two jumper ports: one on the battery and one on the starter. If your car has an automatic transmission, there will only be one jumper port on the battery.
Locate the jumper ports on your car. They will be two metal posts with electrical contacts. One of the posts will be labelled “positive” and the other “negative”.
If you cannot find the jumper ports, consult your car’s owner’s manual.
Step Three: Attach the Jumper Cables
Now that you have the basics, it’s time to attach the jumper cables to your car. First, find the positive and negative terminals on your battery.
The positive terminal will usually be red, while the negative terminal will be black. Once you’ve found them, attach one end of the red cable to the positive terminal and one to the black cable to the negative terminal.
Now, take the other end of the red cable and attach it to the positive terminal of the donor car’s battery.
Finally, take the last black cable and attach it to the negative terminal of the donor car’s battery. Be sure that all four connections are secure before proceeding.
Step Four: Start the Working Vehicle
If your car has a push-button start, depress the brake pedal and push the button. If it doesn’t have a push-button start, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position. Then, depress the brake pedal.
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Step Five: Start Your Car
Assuming your car is in the park, press the brake pedal down and hold it. Turn the key to the “on” position without starting the engine. In some cars, this will cause a light on the dash.
It’s called the check engine light, and it comes on when the key is turned on without starting the engine because the computer system is checking itself.
Once the check engine light goes off, press and hold the button on your automatic transmission shifter labelled “P” for about two seconds, this will put your transmission into what’s called “Park Position Override.” It’s a safety feature that prevents you from accidentally shifting out of the park when the car is turned on.
Now, start your car like usual. The procedure for starting a car with an automatic transmission is different than starting a manual transmission car. If you’ve never done it before, read your car’s owner’s manual before proceeding.
Things to keep in mind when jump-starting an automatic car
- Make sure that the car you are jump-starting is, in fact, an automatic. Some automatics have a particular procedure for jump-starting; if you don’t follow it, you could damage the transmission.
- Park the cars together so the jumper cables can reach both batteries. It is also essential that both cars are turned off and in the park before proceeding.
- Attach the cables in the following order: first, attach the positive red cable to the dead battery’s positive terminal. Then attach the other end of the positive red cable to the positive terminal of the good battery. Next, attach the black negative cable to the good battery’s negative terminal. Finally, attach the other end of the black negative cable to a metal ground on the car with the dead battery (this could be a bolt or screw).
- Once all the cables are attached, start the car with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes before starting the car with the dead battery. This will allow the dead battery to charge up a bit before starting the engine.
- If everything goes according to plan, your car with dead batteries should start up. If it doesn’t, you may need to jump-start it a few more times or have the battery replaced.
10 Tips for jump-starting an automatic car
- Make sure the car is in the park, and the emergency brake is engaged
- Turn off all electronics in the car, including the radio
- Open the hood and locate the battery
- Locate the positive and negative terminals on the battery
- Attach the positive cable to the positive terminal, then attach the negative cable to the negative terminal
- Have a helper start the working car and let it idle for a few minutes
- Try to start your car
- If your car doesn’t start, try giving it a little gas while starting it
- If your car still doesn’t start, check the battery connections and make sure they are secure
- If your car still doesn’t start, you may need a new battery
How to prevent needing to jump-start your automatic car in the first place
Like most people, you rely on your car to get you where you need to go. But what happens when your car won’t start? If you have an automatic transmission, jump starting may not be as simple as it seems.
Here are a few tips on how to prevent needing to jump-start your automatic car in the first place:
- Keep your battery healthy. A healthy battery is less likely to need a jump start. Check the electrolyte level and keep it topped off. You should also check the terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary.
- Don’t let your car idle for long periods. Idling can drain your battery and leave you stranded.
- Drive regularly. Starting and stopping your engine regularly helps keep the battery charged.
- Make sure your alternator is working correctly. The alternator charges the battery while the engine is running. If it’s not working correctly, the battery will eventually run out of power.
Another Method On How to Jump Start an Automatic Car
If your car has an automatic transmission, you can jump-start it by following these simple steps:
- Park your car in neutral.
- Make sure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
- Attach the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive terminal on your battery.
- Attach the negative (black) jumper cable to a metal ground on your car (not the battery).
- Have a helper start the donor car and let it run for a few minutes.
- Try to start your car. If it doesn’t start, have your helper rev the engine and try again.
Conclusion
Assuming you have all the necessary tools, jump-starting an automatic car is pretty straightforward. Just follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll have your car up and running in no time.
And if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to jump-start someone else’s car, now you know how to do it!