Starting a Dead Car Battery: Jumpstarting, Replacing, Charging, Inspecting, and Cleaning

Introduction

A dead car battery is one of the most common reasons why your vehicle won’t start. It can be frustrating to experience this problem, especially if you need to be somewhere in a hurry. Fortunately, there are several ways to get your car running again, such as jumpstarting, replacing, charging, inspecting, and cleaning the battery. In this article, we’ll go over each of these methods and provide detailed steps and tips so that you can get back on the road quickly.

Jumpstarting the Battery

Jumpstarting is the process of using a set of jumper cables to transfer power from one vehicle to another. This will provide enough energy to start your engine, allowing you to drive to a service station for a more permanent fix. Here’s what you need to do:

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, it’s important to take safety precautions. Make sure both vehicles are turned off and the parking brakes are engaged. Additionally, wear protective gear such as gloves and eyewear.

Prepare the Vehicle

Pop open the hood of both vehicles and locate the batteries. On some models, you may need to remove a cover or plastic shield to access the terminals. Once you’ve identified the batteries, make sure the jumper cables will reach from one vehicle to the other.

Connect the Cables

Clamp one end of the red (positive) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then, clamp the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the donor vehicle’s battery. Next, attach one end of the black (negative) cable to the negative terminal of the donor vehicle’s battery. Finally, attach the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the dead vehicle, such as the engine block.

Start the Vehicle

Once the cables are connected, start the donor vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try starting the dead vehicle. If it starts, allow it to run for at least 15 minutes to give the battery a chance to recharge.

Disconnect the Cables

When the dead vehicle has been running for at least 15 minutes, turn it off and disconnect the cables in the reverse order they were attached. Make sure all of the clamps are properly disconnected before closing the hoods of both vehicles.

Replacing the Battery

If jumpstarting doesn’t work, then it’s likely time to replace the battery. Here’s what you need to do:

Identifying When to Replace the Battery

The best way to determine if your battery needs to be replaced is to have it tested. Most auto parts stores offer free battery testing services. If the battery fails the test, then it’s time to purchase a new one.

Steps to Replace the Battery

After you’ve purchased a new battery, here’s what you need to do:

Remove and Replace the Battery

First, disconnect the negative cable from the old battery. Then, remove the battery hold down and lift the battery out of its compartment. Place the new battery in the compartment and secure it with the hold down.

Clean the Terminals

Next, use a wire brush to clean the terminals of the battery and the posts of the battery compartment. This will help ensure a good connection.

Install Battery Hold Down

Once the terminals are clean, reinstall the battery hold down. Make sure it’s securely fastened.

Reconnect the Wiring

Finally, reconnect the negative cable to the battery and reattach any other wiring that was removed during the installation process.

Charging the Battery

If the battery isn’t completely dead, then it may just need to be charged. Here’s what you need to do:

Identifying When to Charge the Battery

If the battery is more than three years old, then it may need to be charged. You can also check the voltage with a voltmeter. If it reads 12.4 volts or less, then it needs to be charged.

Steps to Charge the Battery

Here’s what you need to do:

Determine the Battery Type

First, determine whether your battery is a lead acid or lithium ion type. Lead acid batteries are the most common and require a different type of charger than lithium ion batteries.

Connect the Charger

Once you’ve determined the battery type, connect the charger to the battery. Make sure the positive terminal of the charger is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, and the negative terminal of the charger is connected to the negative terminal of the battery.

Set the Voltage

Most chargers have adjustable settings that allow you to select the desired voltage. For lead acid batteries, the ideal setting is between 13.8 and 14.4 volts. For lithium ion batteries, the ideal setting is 4.1 volts.

Monitor the Charging Process

Once the charger is connected and the voltage is set, monitor the charging process. The charger should indicate when the battery is fully charged.

Disconnect the Charger

Once the battery is fully charged, disconnect the charger and store it in a safe place.

Inspecting the Alternator

If the battery won’t hold a charge, then it’s possible that the alternator is failing. Here’s what you need to do to inspect it:

Identifying When to Inspect the Alternator

If the battery is still dead after being charged, then it’s time to inspect the alternator. You may also want to inspect the alternator if the battery is draining quickly.

Steps to Inspect the Alternator

Here’s what you need to do:

Examine the Alternator Belt

First, examine the alternator belt for signs of wear or damage. If the belt is loose or frayed, then it should be replaced.

Check the Alternator Output

Next, use a multimeter to check the output of the alternator. The ideal reading should be between 13.8 and 14.4 volts.

Test the Alternator Regulator

The alternator regulator helps regulate the voltage output of the alternator. To test the regulator, use a multimeter to check the voltage at the battery terminals while the engine is running. The ideal reading should be between 13.8 and 14.4 volts.

Check the Alternator’s Wiring Harness

Finally, inspect the alternator’s wiring harness for signs of corrosion or damage. If the wiring is damaged or corroded, it should be replaced.

Cleaning the Battery Terminals

Corrosion on the battery terminals can prevent the battery from holding a charge. Here’s what you need to do to clean them:

Steps to Clean the Battery Terminals

Here’s what you need to do:

Prepare for Cleaning

First, put on safety gear such as gloves and eyewear. Then, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

Remove the Terminal Covers

Next, remove the covers from the terminals. If necessary, use a wrench to loosen the screws.

Clean the Terminals

Use a wire brush to remove any corrosion from the terminals. Be sure to clean both the terminals and the posts of the battery compartment.

Reattach the Terminals

After the terminals are clean, reattach the terminal covers and reconnect the negative cable.

Checking the Fuses and Relays

If the battery is still dead after being cleaned and charged, then it’s possible that a fuse or relay is faulty. Here’s what you need to do to check them:

Steps to Check the Fuses and Relays

Here’s what you need to do:

Locate the Fuse Panel

First, locate the fuse panel inside the vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location.

Check the Fuses

Once you’ve located the fuse panel, inspect the fuses to make sure they are not blown. If a fuse is blown, replace it with the same amperage fuse.

Check the Relays

Next, check the relays to make sure they are functioning properly. To do this, use a multimeter to check the continuity of each relay.

Conclusion

A dead car battery can be a major inconvenience, but there are several ways to get it running again. Jumpstarting, replacing, charging, inspecting, and cleaning the battery terminals can help restore power to your vehicle. With the right tools and knowledge, you can get back on the road quickly.