How to Jump Start a Car with an Automatic Transmission

Jump starting a car with an automatic transmission is a common task that many drivers may encounter at some point․ While it’s generally similar to jump starting a car with a manual transmission, there are a few key differences to keep in mind to ensure safety and proper procedure․ This guide will walk you through the steps of jump starting your car with an automatic transmission․

Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have the following supplies⁚

• Jumper cables⁚ Choose high-quality cables with heavy-duty clamps․
• A working vehicle with a fully charged battery⁚ This is your “donor” car․
• A pair of gloves⁚ This helps protect your hands from cold metal and potential battery acid․

Safety Precautions

Jump starting a car can be dangerous if done incorrectly․ Always prioritize safety by following these precautions⁚

• Park both vehicles on a level surface, preferably with the emergency brakes engaged․
• Turn off all accessories and electronics in both vehicles․
• Never connect the jumper cables to the battery terminals while the engine is running․
• Avoid touching the clamps or cables while they are connected․

Jump Starting Procedure

Follow these steps to safely jump start your car with an automatic transmission⁚

Step 1⁚ Connect the Positive Cables

1. Open the hoods of both vehicles․
2. Locate the positive (+) terminals on both batteries․ The positive terminal is usually marked with a “+” sign or a red color․
3. Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the donor battery․
4. Connect the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery․

Step 2⁚ Connect the Negative Cables

1. Locate a clean metal grounding point on the donor vehicle’s frame, away from the battery․
2. Connect one end of the black jumper cable to the grounding point on the donor vehicle․
3. Connect the other end of the black jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the dead battery․

Step 3⁚ Start the Donor Vehicle

Start the donor vehicle and let it run for a few minutes․ This will allow the battery to charge․

Step 4⁚ Start the Dead Vehicle

Try to start the dead vehicle․ If it doesn’t start immediately, let the donor vehicle run for a few more minutes before trying again․ If the dead vehicle starts, let it run for about 15 minutes to ensure the battery is sufficiently charged․

Step 5⁚ Disconnect the Jumper Cables

Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order they were connected․ This means removing the negative cables first, followed by the positive cables․

Important Notes

• If the dead vehicle doesn’t start after several attempts, there may be a more serious issue with the battery, starter, or alternator․ In this case, it’s best to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic․
• If you are not comfortable jump starting your car, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional․

By following these steps and safety precautions, you can confidently jump start your car with an automatic transmission and get back on the road․