As with any new equipment purchase, it's important to read the instructions for specific steps on how to operate it. But if you're in a hurry and can't remember the exact steps to use your portable jump starter, the following list should get you started.

Step 1 - Check your connections. Some jump starters have hardwired cables while others have the type that quickly attach.

Step 2 - Connect your jump starter directly to the vehicle's battery. Clamp the red cable to the positive battery post and the black cable to the negative post. Your specific model might show an indicator light if your connections are incorrect.

Note: your battery will not necessarily be in this location and in this position. Red could be on the right and black could be on the left. It depends on where the manufacturer placed the battery in your vehicle.

Step 3 - Place the jump starter in a safe spot that won't be in the way when the engine starts. Turn the jump starter on. Never turn a portable jump starter on in advance. It should only be turned on when it's fully connected and you're ready to start the engine.

Step 4 - Start the vehicle's engine. Keep cranking until it starts. If the problem is a dead battery, the jump starter should make it start up within 1 to 2 minutes at the longest.

Step 5 - Once the engine is running, turn off the jump starter and carefully disconnect it from the battery. Black cable (negative) first, red cable (positive) last.

Why Is Your Battery Dead?

If the jump starter works and your battery does have a lack of power, it's time to figure out why your battery is dead in the first place.

Some reasons include the age of the battery or something that was left on in your vehicle that drained the battery. For example, an interior light might still be on when your vehicle is turned off.

Another possibility is that your battery is not being charged by the alternator because parts are wearing out. That could be the alternator itself or the belt.

A portable jump starter is great for getting out of an emergency dead battery situation, but to avoid it happening again, finding the reason for the dead battery is important.

Signs of a Dead Battery

In some cases, your car not starting or not turning over may not be a dead or low battery at all. If it is a dead battery or a battery with low power, you might also experience the following symptoms:

• Slow engine crank or a clicking sound
• Electrical issues or no power to electrical items
• Warning lights in your dash indicating a battery problem
• Dim headlights while idling

If the alternator is the problem, then your vehicle will likely die shortly after the jump start. Even with a bad battery, the alternator should provide enough power to keep the vehicle running.

Another possibility for a no-start situation is a bad starter. If that's the case, then your instruments and electrical functions are working normally but your car won't start. You might hear a loud click with no crank when trying to start your engine, or you might hear grinding or whirring sounds.

What Is a Portable Jump Starter?

A portable jump starter essentially eliminates the need for a recovery vehicle in a dead battery situation. The jump starter comes with a compact, powerful battery that is capable of starting an engine several times without being recharged.

It's also practically foolproof with clearly marked red and black leads with clamps that indicate positive and negative respectively. The price range of a portable jump starter tends to vary widely depending on its power.

Portable Jump Starters vs Battery Chargers

You might get these two pieces of equipment confused as they have similar functions. However, a battery charger is a much larger piece of equipment that usually has three functions: slow charge, fast charge, and fast start.

The battery charger plugs into a regular electrical outlet, which means it's designed to be used at home in your garage. Portable jump starters are much smaller and have self-contained power. They also aren't designed to charge your battery but to simply boost it to start your engine.

Maintaining Your Jump Starter

To keep your portable jump starter in good working condition, it's important to check the battery level a few times a month. If it's low, recharge it immediately.

Store the jump starter in a clean and dry location that isn't subject to extreme temperatures.

Check the cables and wires regularly for signs of fraying or other damage.

Safety Tips For Using a Portable Jump Starter

- Always inspect the cables and clamps of your jump starter before using it to ensure that the wires aren't fraying or damaged.

- Don't use the jump starter on a damaged battery or a battery that is leaking. If you know that your alternator is bad, you shouldn't use a portable jump starter in this situation.

- Never drive the vehicle with the jump starter attached. It's only designed to provide a temporary boost to start the vehicle.

- A portable jump starter is a great addition to an automotive emergency kit that should also include items like a flashlight, reflective triangles, basic tools, a compass, and first aid.

Enthuze Portable Jump Starter with Air Compressor

The Enthuze portable jump starter can be used as a mobile power supply for various electronics and it can also start a car or truck with a 12V battery.

It includes LED light functions and clearly marked red and black cables to get you back on the road quickly. Its compact size makes it the perfect emergency device.

For the best in truck, SUV, and Jeep accessories, you can rely on Enthuze. For an emergency recovery kit, we also sell tow straps and emergency flashlights. All Enthuze parts and accessories are tested for the highest quality before using the Enthuze name.

 

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