How to Move an Automatic Car with a Dead Battery
Automatic cars carry no clutch or shifter, making them easier to drive and attracting more and more buyers. However, many people think that manual cars at least won’t leave you stranded if your battery suddenly dies in the middle of the road. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to jump-start an automatic car.
In this oneHOWTO article we tell you step by step How to move an automatic car with a dead battery.
You'll need:
- Jump starter pack
- Warning triangle and vest
Steps to follow:
The first thing you have to do to move an automatic car with a dead battery is make sure that you are in a safe place to work and have placed LED emergency warning triangles around your vehicle if necessary. If possible, wear an LED vest or jacket for added safety. Keep clear of traffic, and do not attempt the procedure if the location is unsafe.
Next, open your car’s hood and find the jump starter pack. It is essential that you keep it fully charged if you want to move your automatic car; otherwise, you may have to call a towing company if your battery dies. Check that the pack is suitable for your vehicle and follow its instructions. If you don't have one of these, take a look at other solutions on our article how to jumpstart an automatic car.
Find the red clamp on the jump starter pack and attach it to the positive terminal of your car’s battery. You can check the owner’s manual if you are not quite sure about this step or if the battery is not beside the engine.
Locate the on/off button on the jump starter. If it has one, keep it switched off while you attach the black clamp to the negative terminal of the battery. If the jump starter doesn’t have an on/off button, attach the black clamp to an unpainted metal part away from the battery to reduce the risk of sparks near it. Follow the instructions for your jump starter and vehicle.
Before you continue, go over the previous steps again. Before you turn on the switch, make sure that the engine is clear of any tools or equipment. Keep hands and loose clothing away from moving parts.
Now, turn on the power switch on the jump starter pack and start the car. If your pack doesn’t have a button, go straight to starting the car. The car should jump-start. If it does not start, switch off the pack and check the connections before trying again. Once it starts, leave the engine running while you disconnect the pack.
Turn the power switch off on the jump starter pack and remove the black clamp first, then the red clamp. Finally, close the hood.
Before you go, remember to retrieve your warning triangle and drive away safely.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Move an Automatic Car with a Dead Battery, we recommend you visit our Car Maintenance and Repair category.
Tips
- Always refer to the owner’s manual for more information
- Make sure to keep a fully charged jump starter pack
- Ensure that you keep up with regular maintenance of your vehicle
- How to Use Jumper Cables to Start a Car (AAA Club Alliance)
- Jump Starting (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
