How Can You Start an Automatic Car With a Dead Battery?

How Can You Start an Automatic Car With a Dead Battery?

Encountering a dead battery in an automatic car can be an inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. With a few simple steps and the right equipment, you can start an automatic car with a dead battery and get back on the road. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to safely jump-start your automatic car and ensure a successful start.

It is crucial to note that before attempting to start an automatic car with a dead battery, it is necessary to gather the necessary tools and take the appropriate precautions:

• Safety Precautions:

• • Park both vehicles on a flat surface and engage the parking brakes.
  • Turn off all electrical components, such as lights, radios, and air conditioning, in both vehicles.
  • Wear safety goggles and protective gloves to avoid any accidental injuries.

• Equipment Needed

• • Jumper Cables: Ensure you have a set of high-quality jumper cables with sufficient length.
  • A Donor Vehicle: You will need another running vehicle with a fully charged battery to jump-start your car.
  • Knowledge of Battery Terminals: Familiarize yourself with the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both batteries.

Jump-Starting Procedure

• Position the Vehicles

Bring the donor vehicle close to the car with the dead battery, positioning them so that the batteries are as close to each other as possible. Make sure both vehicles are turned off.

• Identify the Terminals

Open the hoods of both vehicles and locate the battery terminals. Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery. They are usually marked with a plus and minus sign.

• Connect the Jumper Cables

Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Attach the other end of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the donor vehicle’s battery. Connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the donor vehicle’s battery. Attach the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery. Look for a metal bracket or engine block away from the battery.

• Start the Donor Vehicle

Start the donor vehicle’s engine and let it run for a few minutes. This will allow the battery to transfer some charge to the dead battery.

• Start the Dead Vehicle

• Attempt to start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start, check the cable connections and ensure they are securely attached.
• Once the car starts, let it run for a few minutes to ensure the battery receives a sufficient charge.

• Disconnect the Cables

Carefully remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were connected, starting with the black cable from the unpainted metal surface. Next, remove the black cable from the donor vehicle’s negative (-) terminal. Disconnect the red cable from the donor vehicle’s positive (+) terminal. Finally, remove the red cable from the positive (+) terminal of the previously dead battery.

The Push-Start Method

The push-start method is a technique that can be used to start an automatic car with a dead battery. However, it requires some physical effort and a safe location with enough space to perform the maneuver.

• Ensure safety: Before attempting the push-start method, make sure you are in a safe location away from traffic. The area should be flat and free of any obstacles.
• Gather some helpers: Enlist the help of a few individuals to assist you in pushing the car. Make sure they are physically capable and understand the process.
• Insert the key: Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position. Remember that the engine won’t start at this stage due to the dead battery.
• Put the car in neutral: Depress the brake pedal firmly and shift the transmission into neutral. Check your vehicle’s manual for instructions on how to shift into neutral if you are unsure.
• Push the car: With the assistance of your helpers, start pushing the car from behind while you remain inside. Once the vehicle gains sufficient momentum, release the brake pedal quickly.
• Engage the clutch: As the car picks up speed, engage the clutch rapidly. This action will transfer the rotational force to the engine, enabling it to start. If successful, the engine should roar to life.
• Drive and charge the battery: After the engine starts, keep it running for a while to charge the battery. Take the car for a drive to allow the alternator to replenish the battery’s charge.

Battery Power Source  

In this method, you will use an alternative power source to supply electricity to the car’s electrical system, allowing you to start the engine. A portable jump starter or a power pack with a 12-volt output can be used for this purpose.

• Prepare the power source: Ensure that the portable jump starter or power pack is fully charged and functioning correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Locate the battery terminals: Open the car’s hood and locate the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the dead battery.
• Connect the power source: Attach the red (positive) clamp of the power source to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then, connect the black (negative) clamp to a suitable grounding point on the car’s chassis, away from the battery.
• Power on the source: Switch on the portable jump starter or power pack, activating the electrical supply.
• Start the car: With the power source connected, attempt to start the car as you normally would. If successful, the engine should turn over and start running.
• Remove the power source: Once the engine starts, disconnect the power source by reversing the connection process—remove the black clamp first, followed by the red clamp.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

If the previous methods fail or you feel uncomfortable attempting them, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Contacting a roadside assistance service or a qualified mechanic will ensure that the starting process is handled safely and efficiently. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to diagnose and resolve the underlying battery or electrical issues.

Conclusion 

Jump-starting an automatic car with a dead battery can be straightforward if you follow the proper steps and take the necessary precautions. Always prioritize safety and ensure a good connection between the jumper cables and battery terminals. If the jump-starting process doesn’t work after a few attempts, it may indicate a more significant issue and professional assistance should be sought. By following this guide, you can get your automatic car up and running again, saving time and potential towing expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I start an automatic car with a dead battery?

Yes, it is possible to start an automatic car with a dead battery using a technique called jump-starting or jump-starting with a portable battery pack.

• What is jump-starting?

Jump-starting is a method of starting a vehicle with a dead battery by using power from an external source, such as another vehicle’s battery or a portable battery pack.

• Can I use a portable battery pack to jump-start an automatic car?

• Yes, portable battery packs specifically designed for jump-starting can start an automatic car with a dead battery. Follow the instructions provided with the portable battery pack for proper usage.