Never jumpstart a car in 2nd gear. This is incredibly dangerous and could severely damage your transmission. This article will explain why and provide a safe and effective method for jump-starting your car.
Jumping a car in gear is a common misconception and a dangerous practice. Attempting to do so can cause significant damage to your vehicle's transmission and other components. This guide focuses on the correct and safe way to jumpstart your car.
Understanding Why You Shouldn't Jump Start in Gear
The engine's starter motor is designed to crank the engine while it's in neutral or park. When you attempt to jumpstart a car in gear, you're forcing the transmission to engage while the engine is trying to start. This can lead to:
- Stripped gears: The immense strain on the transmission's gears can cause them to strip, requiring expensive repairs.
- Damaged transmission components: Other parts of your transmission, such as bearings and shafts, can also be damaged.
- Bent or broken components: The force can cause damage to other parts of the drivetrain.
- Injury: The vehicle may unexpectedly lurch forward or backward, leading to potential injury.
The Safe Way To Jump Start Your Car
Follow these steps to safely jumpstart your car:
1. Gather Your Supplies
You'll need:
- Jumper cables: Ensure they are heavy-duty and in good condition.
- A working vehicle: This will be your power source.
- Gloves (optional): These will protect your hands.
2. Preparation is Key
- Park both vehicles on a level surface: This prevents rolling.
- Engage the parking brakes: Secure both vehicles firmly.
- Turn off both vehicles: This prevents electrical shorts.
- Locate the batteries: Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both batteries.
3. Connecting the Jumper Cables
Crucially, follow the correct order:
- Connect the positive (+) clamp of the jumper cables to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
- Connect the other positive (+) clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
- Connect the negative (-) clamp of the jumper cables to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
- Connect the other negative (-) clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the dead battery (NOT the negative terminal). Connecting to the engine block helps avoid sparks near the battery.
4. Starting the Car
- Start the working vehicle: Let it run for a few minutes to ensure a good charge.
- Attempt to start the dead vehicle. If it doesn't start immediately, try again after a few more minutes of charging.
5. Disconnecting the Jumper Cables
Reverse the order of connection:
- Remove the negative (-) clamp from the engine block of the dead vehicle.
- Remove the negative (-) clamp from the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
- Remove the positive (+) clamp from the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
- Remove the positive (+) clamp from the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
6. Let the Car Run
Let the dead vehicle run for at least 30 minutes to allow the battery to recharge. This helps to ensure it won't die again immediately.
Troubleshooting
If your car still won't start after following these steps, there may be a more significant problem with your battery, alternator, or starter motor. Consult a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Conclusion
Jumping a car is a straightforward process when done correctly. Remember, never attempt to jumpstart your car in gear. This guide provides a clear and safe method, ensuring your safety and protecting your vehicle from damage. Always prioritize safety and follow these steps precisely.
