If you don't have the equipment, don't know what to do, or are stranded in the cold, Rexburg Lock & Key offers 24/7 emergency battery jump assistance in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and surrounding areas. Call (208) 483-1153.
1. Check Where You're Parked
Stuck in your driveway is one thing—being stuck on the side of the road is another. Before you open your car's hood, make sure you can do so without putting yourself in danger. It can be a good idea to turn on your hazard lights. Make sure you stay away from the road and passing traffic.
If you're too close to traffic to work safely or the cold is making it difficult to stay outside, skip the troubleshooting and call Rexburg Lock & Key at (208) 483-1153 for assistance.
2. Check a Few Things Before You Assume It's the Battery
There are many reasons a car might not start. Try these low-effort checks first:
- Make sure your car is fully in Park. Sounds silly, but it's worth ruling out.
- Look for a “key not detected” message. If your key-fob's battery is dying, that can sometimes prevent the car from starting.
- Pay attention to what happens when you try to start it. A weak or discharged battery can cause dim lights, clicking, or slow cranking. It can also leave you with no cranking, no lights, or no response at all.
Turn off any unnecessary accessories, such as the radio and heated seats. Avoid repeated attempts to crank the engine. If it still won't start, the next step is to determine if you have what you need for a safe jump-start.
3. Jump-Start Methods
If you have a portable jump pack on hand, it's worth a shot and may allow you to get going without another vehicle. If it's not working, it may be because it's not charged, it's not compatible with your car, or not powerful enough for its engine. If a portable jump pack or trickle charger is giving an error, spending time waiting around for it to work is unlikely to yield desired results.
The next step is typically to reach out to a friend or family member who has jumper cables, can get their vehicle to you, and knows how to properly jump your vehicle from theirs. Don't assume that every vehicle can be used to jump another, especially if one is a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Steps to jump-start your vehicle:
- Make sure both vehicles are compatible 12-volt vehicles and check each vehicle's instructions to ensure these connection points match.
- Make sure the batteries are safe to jump. Don't jump frozen, leaking, cracked, or swollen batteries.
- Prepare both cars. Park safely and close enough for the cables to reach without the cars touching.
- Turn both engines off and turn off all accessories.
- Red clamp #1 goes on the dead car's positive (+) terminal.
- Red clamp #2 goes on the working car's positive (+) terminal.
- The black clamp on the working car's end goes on the working car's negative (-) terminal.
- The black clamp on the dead car's end goes on the dead car's designated grounding point. Most vehicles come with a dedicated grounding point, so make sure you identify it, or use the car's manual to determine where it is located. Keep the black clamp away from the battery and any moving parts.
- Start both cars. Make sure all cables are clear of belts and fans. Start the working car first, then try to start the dead car. Do not repeatedly crank an engine that won't start.
- Remove the cables in reverse order: (1) black clamp from the previously dead car's grounding point, (2) black clamp from the working car, (3) red clamp from the working car, then (4) red clamp from the previously dead car.
If you're unsure how to jump-start a car, or simply need help, stop and call Rexburg Lock & Key at (208) 483-1153. We offer 24/7 battery jump services around Rexburg and Idaho Falls.
4. Call for 24/7 Battery Jump Assistance in Rexburg
If you don't have the equipment or people to help, call Rexburg Lock & Key at (208) 483-1153. We offer battery jump assistance 24 hours a day in Rexburg and surrounding areas. Just tell us where you are, and we'll be on our way!
