Almost any driver has encountered a problem when the car refuses to start. And it happens that not only start, but even open the car becomes very problematic. This problem becomes especially urgent in winter. The reason is the complete discharge of the battery. Is this the first time with you? Then read what to do if the battery is dead on the car.
Why is discharge happening?
The battery is a large battery that the car needs, mainly to create a powerful spark when starting the engine. As soon as the generator starts, the battery starts to automatically accumulate current - to be charged. That is why, under normal conditions, it always remains charged. But what then can destroy this self-healing unit? There may be several reasons:
What to do if this still happened, and your car flatly refuses to start?
What to do if the battery is dead
First, don't panic. The situation is not critical and quite fixable.
- however, even in the case when you fail to “light up” the battery, you can simply use someone else’s. Having installed the working unit on your car, start the car and after that install your discharged device in place.
Note! Some foreign cars with a large abundance of electronics will not tolerate either removing the battery or lighting it up. Specific instructions for this can be found in the data sheet for your model.
Unfortunately, you cannot start a car with an automatic transmission in this way! Owners of machines will have to be content only with the previously described methods.
How to open a locked car
Often, when the battery is dead, another problem appears - the car cannot be opened. Well, if the door opens with a key. But, there are few such rarities left. Fortunately, this problem can be fixed with the following methods:
What to do if the battery is dead in winter
Why in winter the battery can be discharged for no apparent reason and what to do if the battery runs out in the cold?
The fact is that in the cold, chemical processes inside the battery cans slow down, the density of the electrolyte changes, and the voltage at the terminals drops. The lower the temperature, the greater these changes become. That is why, in winter, especially in severe frost, it is enough just to bring the battery home so that it warms up. In the process of warming up, all indicators are restored, and the car starts without problems.
However, such warming can not always be an effective measure for winter. You will be able to carry out resuscitation with heat only if you drove until late in the evening, and in the morning you found that frost had suddenly hit. But what to do if the battery is dead in winter because you have not used the car for several days? The answer is unequivocal - everything is the same as in the summer: charge, "light up", push. And also, choose the right battery!
The video shows how to choose a good battery for winter:
How to protect your battery in winter
So that the frosts do not take you by surprise, it is worthwhile to properly prepare for the winter:
- Do not bring the device to complete exhaustion in winter. On average, the battery is able to serve faithfully for 2-3 years, but, with proper care, it can last up to five;
- in winter it is better to keep the car in a heated garage;
- you can purchase a special blanket that protects the inside of the machine from rapid cooling in the cold season. Keep in mind, heat under such a blanket does not last long. From the discharge after a week of parking, it definitely will not save you;
- most batteries like to be brought home at night in the winter;
- do not forget about the right choice of oil for the winter. Despite the fact that it does not affect the battery in any way, the ease of starting directly depends on it. A long run will completely nullify the remaining charge.
Be careful, check the operation of the electrics in the car more often, then the battery will last you a long time and properly.
The battery is an additional source of energy in the car. It is needed to provide a starting impulse to the starter to start the engine. At this point, the battery gives off a large amount of energy, replenished from the generator while driving. Is it possible to start a car without a battery, how to do it?
There are many reasons why the battery runs out during idle time. . But at the moment when you need to urgently go, the main thing is to start the engine quickly. Any car with an injection, diesel or carburetor engine can be charged using a compact booster charger. This is a compact lithium iron phosphate backup battery. How to start a car? Another battery must be connected to the battery terminals with the ignition off. With the help of ROM, you can start a car in the cold with a dead battery and an engine capacity of up to 2 liters.
Professional ROMs are considered the best. They have short circuit protection, charging current adjustment, voltage stabilizer. It is convenient to connect it - there are crocodile connectors. For a motorist, an external battery can be purchased for 5,000 rubles.
You can start a car with a dead battery with the help of a donor, "lighting up". In this case, the battery capacity of the machines should be equal. It is important that the second machine has a fresh battery with a full charge. The method is universal, suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines with any transmission. You will need to follow the sequence of operations so as not to harm the donor.
How to start the machine if the battery is dead?
There are some features that need to be taken into account when resuscitating a car with a dead battery. How to start a car with automatic transmission?
- Lighting from an external energy source. Help can be provided by the owner of a donor car with a good battery. In order to start a car with a dead battery, you will need wires for lighting. When starting the donor engine, you must make sure that the assembled wiring diagram is correct.
- Use network or battery ROM.
- Start the car from the "pusher". The car is being towed by another vehicle. The gearbox is placed in position N. At a speed of 30 km / h, movement continues for 2 minutes. The gearbox selector is placed in position 2, the engine is started, the selector is moved to position N. A command is given to stop the tug.
You can only make 2 attempts to start the car from the pusher with an interval of 15 minutes. If the car does not start, the battery is dead, you need to call a tow truck or technical assistance.
Is it possible to start a car without a battery with a pusher?
The issue is discussed on the forums, motorists share their personal experience, is it possible to start a car without a battery. Currently, cars are roaming the roads on carburetor, injection and diesel engines.
The most unpretentious cars with mechanical pumps are Soviet cars VAZ, Volga, which can still be found on the roads. It is easy to start such a car without a battery from a pusher. How? Pump up fuel and accelerate the vehicle to a speed where the generator is able to ignite. You can give acceleration using towing or the physical efforts of a group of people. Attention! A generator without a battery can create high voltage in the on-board network, render the equipment unusable.
How to start cars with injectors if the batteries are dead? Is it possible to use the "pusher", remove the battery? The car cannot be started without a battery. For the operation of on-board systems, the supply of fuel, it is important that the battery is standing and there is a small charge. At the same time, it is better to start engines with 8 valves in 3.4 gears. To start a 16-valve injection engine, it is better to use the services of a service station. There is a high risk of damage to the engine, catalyst or converter.
How to start a diesel engine if the battery is low? You can use a booster or "lighting". It is not possible to start without a battery, it is not recommended to start from a pusher. There is a high risk of damage to the timing elements and the cylinder-piston group.
How to start a car without a battery with a pusher alone?
It happens that a dead battery refuses to work away from a busy highway. How to start a car alone? Well, if there is another battery, you can use it as a cigarette lighter. But often only a “pusher” can help out.
Well, if the car is on a slope or a flat surface, you can push it. But if the battery is dead, any gasoline car can be started with the help of 5-6 meters of rope, from the “pusher”.
We offer a step-by-step algorithm on how to start a front-wheel drive car with a dead battery alone:
- Use the steering wheel to align the front wheel for easy access.
- Place a jack under the front wheel.
- Fix the rear wheel diagonally from the raised one in front and behind with supports made of brick or improvised material.
- Set the ignition, tighten the handbrake, set 3rd gear.
- A sling, cable or rope is wound around the wheel so that when unwinding, the rotation of the wheel is in the direction of travel. Enough 3 threads on the tread.
- Pull the end of the winding with full force to give the wheel the highest speed. Repeat the operation until the engine starts.
- Depress the clutch, disengage the gear, leave the engine running.
Release the wheel from the jack, remove the stop from the rear, remove the rope. Drive without stopping the engine to recharge the battery from the generator.
Frozen battery, how to start the car?
The test for the car and the driver is driving in the cold. In cold weather, the battery develops a resource faster, and in the morning the charge may not be enough to start the engine. How to start a car in winter if the battery is dead? First of all, you should assess the situation. If the battery is no longer young, and there is a day of downtime in the open parking lot ahead, it’s better not to risk it and go to work by public transport. Later, check the condition of the battery in detail. If it turns out that when the charger is connected, there is information that the charging is normal, or the electrolyte is cloudy, with a suspension, of low density, the battery needs to be replaced. In other cases, if the battery is dead in the cold, you can start the car using both an external charger and mechanical methods of resuscitation.
To prevent the battery from running out in the cold, there are various ways to insulate the battery and the engine compartment. It must be remembered that during the night the battery will run down by 25 amperes if the temperature outside is below 25-30 degrees. And it takes more energy to start a cold car with thickened grease in winter than in summer. How to start a car in the morning if the battery runs low?
You can revive the car by taking the battery only for starting. Then you can remove the battery from the running car, but isolate the positive wire. The machine will run but will not start again. To remove excess voltage from the generator, you need to turn on the headlights or the receiver. For on-board electronics, this method is dangerous.
Video
How to start a car from a battery - tips from a car enthusiast
If, when you try to start the engine in the car, you hear a characteristic viscous sound and a click of the starter, then your battery is discharged. But do not panic, because even with a dead battery, a car can be brought back to life - for example, we already know three ways to start a car if the battery is dead.
What to do if the car battery is dead
A discharged car battery can cause a lot of inconvenience to the driver - and this situation is especially to be feared in the cold winter, when the temperature drops to -20 and below. The trouble is that even a completely new and fully serviceable battery can lose about half of its charge overnight in the cold, as the electrolyte density increases and the starting current drops, which slows down the chemical reactions and prevents the battery from releasing stored energy.
If your battery is dead, but time allows you to wait, then you need to remove it and take it home and warm it - this will increase its starting current, and the battery will be able to return to work. But on the road, you don’t have to think about it - so let’s look at ways that will help you find out how to start the car if the battery has run out somewhere on the road.
How to start a car from a pusher or tug
If you have a car with a manual transmission, then the traditional method of how you can bring the car to life is suitable for you - it starts the engine by accelerating the car and shifting into gear. However, it should be clarified that this method is suitable for cars with an injection engine only if the battery is not completely dead, that is, a certain amount of battery capacity will allow it to pump fuel from the fuel tank into the system.
To do this, check that you have a tow rope and find a person nearby with a working car who wants to help you. Or assistants who will push your car.
The procedure is simple:
- First, two cars should be connected with a cable if there is a volunteer driver.
- Then turn on the ignition, squeeze the clutch and, without releasing the pedal, switch to 3rd gear.
- At this stage, you can give a command to the second driver to start moving - or let strong assistants push the car.
- You need to accelerate to about 20 km / h, then release the clutch.
- The engine starts - then squeeze the clutch again and give the assistant a signal.
How to light up a car
This method is the most popular and good because it is universal and suitable for any car. But in order to carry it out, do not forget to carry with you special starting wires with clips, which are also called "crocodiles". In addition, you will again need someone else's serviceable car to help.
The workflow is as follows:
- Drive the donor car as close as possible to your recipient car - they should be bumper to bumper, or at least bumper to fender.
- It is imperative to turn off the engine of the donor car, as well as turn off the ignition of both cars - this will prevent the occurrence of a power surge when lighting up and damage to the electronics of the donor car.
- Connect one end of the red starting wire to the plus of the charged battery - it will do the same with the dead battery of the recipient.
- Now connect the negative black wires: one end to the negative battery terminal of the donor car, and the other to some unpainted element of the body or engine of the recipient. In this way, we prevent the donor battery from discharging.
- Next, you should start the donor engine and let it work for a few minutes. Then stop the engine and turn off all appliances.
- Attempt to start the engine of your recipient vehicle. When done, leave it in this state for 2 minutes, then disconnect all the wires in reverse order.
Important: the battery capacities on both cars must match or differ in favor of the auto-donor. Do not try to light a car with a large engine from a small car. The same applies to the voltage - it must match, for example, both the donor and the recipient must have a battery voltage of 12 V, or both 24 V.
How to start a car with a booster
And the third way to start a car if the battery is dead is to use a special device called a booster. This useful and autonomous gadget allows you to quickly charge a dead battery without the help of other cars, wires and pushers, and it is suitable for cars with any type of engine and transmission.
What to do to start the car with a booster is described in the instructions for each such gadget, but in principle, the course of action often coincides:
- First, turn on the ignition in the car.
- We connect the booster to the battery terminals, not forgetting the polarity.
- We start the car. If the engine size does not exceed two liters, then there will be no problems at all. Voila!
How to start a car with a cable
Probably every car owner faced a problem when the car refused to start. And as often happens, it happens at the wrong time. Therefore, in order to be prepared and know how to start the car if the battery is dead, you will learn from seven possible ways.
In general, it is recommended to change the battery every 3-4 years. But due to its high cost, not many people can afford such expenses and therefore drive until it completely fails. If in the summer a car can be started from half a turn, the old equipment can also rotate the engine once, but in the winter certain difficulties may arise with this.
Important! At -20°C, a battery can lose more than half its capacity in half a day. Due to the cold, the electrolyte thickens, which leads to the slow production and accumulation of energy in its chemical reaction.
To understand what it is, pay attention to the following signs:
- The engine makes slow and lingering sounds when the ignition key is turned.
- The lights on the dashboard are dim or do not light at all.
- Cracks and clicks are heard under the hood
Once you've figured out the exact cause of your troubles, you can move on to solving them.
With a dead battery, it is the most traditional method to start a car. This method works best with a carburetor engine, and not with an injection engine. When your vehicle has fuel injection through nozzles, experts do not recommend using this method, however, they do not prohibit it.
If you have an injection engine, then in this case the power source should be at least slightly charged. In order for gasoline to begin to flow into the system, it must power the electrical network of the machine. Here are 2 launch options for manual and automatic transmissions.
With a manual box, then in this case you need to find people who will assist in pushing or towing. The essence of the method is to pick up the minimum speed and start the car.
First you need to turn on the neutral. Volunteers should start pushing the car and when the car accelerates to about 15 km / h, depressing the clutch, switch to second or third gear. After that, start to slowly release the clutch and add gas. After the car is started, you need to transfer it to neutral gear or the car will stall again.
For towing, you need a cable and another car. The method is the same as when pushing people. We accelerate the car to 10 km / h - 18 km / h, turn on second gear and slowly release the clutch pedal. Once the car has started, let the car stand for a while so that the battery is charged to the desired level. But this method does not work with a variator or automatic transmission.
If you are an owner with an automatic transmission, then the above steps are useful for reference only. No matter how much you push this car, it still won't start. Because in such a car there is only 1 pump supplying oil. And it can only work with the engine running.
To start a car with an automatic transmission, you need to remove the outermost drive strap and wind a rope around its head. The gearshift position must be in "P" or "N" mode. After that, turn the ignition key and pull the tip of the cord. This procedure can be done only with small cars (up to 1.5 liters).
Another fairly well-known way, so to speak, a classic. This method is suitable for vehicles with any type of transmission. But most of all it is relevant for cars with an injection engine. The sequence of actions must be strictly observed, otherwise you can simply “kill” all the electronics that your iron friend is stuffed with.
All you need is a working donor car. Both should have the same voltage. Simply put, it will not work to feed a twelve-volt unit with twenty-four volts. The only exception is if you feed a twenty-four volt with two twelve volts connected in series.
So, you need to put two cars next to each other, but so that they do not touch. At the donor, the engine is turned off and the ignition is turned off, and the negative terminal is removed from the second car. You have to, or the electronics will fail. The minus is usually black, and the plus is red.
The positive terminals are connected to each other, and the negative cable is connected to the negative terminal of the donor. Only then to the "mass" of the vehicle of the reanimated machine. Then start a donor for 5 minutes so that the “dead man” is charged. After that, you need to make a test start of a cold engine. If unsuccessful, repeat the procedure.
With a successful recharging, pay attention to how the starter works. It should turn the flywheel well. If the vehicle does not start, then you need to look for other causes of the problem. But when the car starts, it needs to run for another 5 minutes. After that, the wires are disconnected, in reverse order, and let it work for another 15-20 minutes. The battery will charge faster when the engine is running.
Overcurrent
With the help of increased current, you can. This charge lasts about half an hour, and eventually the car will start.
Important! It is not recommended to resort to this method, it will shorten the life of the power supply.
The battery does not need to be removed, but if the car has an on-board computer, then it is simply necessary to remove the negative terminal or you risk ruining all the electronics. You can increase the current up to 30% of the standard values. For example, for a 60 Ah battery, a current of 8 A is allowed. The amount of electrolytes must be normal, and the filler plugs are open.
With ROM
This is a special device that will easily start the battery. It is suitable for starting all types of cars with manual and automatic transmission. Most of all, ROM is relevant for car owners, whose car often stays outside in winter. The kit comes with a user manual so it's easy to figure it out. But let's talk superficially.
The device is connected to the network, and the switch is set to the "start" position. The positive wire of the ROM is connected to the plus of the terminal, and the negative wire is connected to the engine block, closer to the starter. Then turn the ignition key. As soon as the car started, everything can be turned off.
Crooked starter
The name came from the people when the crankshaft was manually turned. This method requires good muscle strength, a jack and a 5-6 meter sling.
Using a jack, raise the drive wheel and wrap a sling around it. Direct gear and ignition are switched on. Your task is to spin the wheel well, so pull the end of the line with a sharp movement.
With lithium batteries
All you need is a device with a lithium battery. It can be a phone, camera, laptop, etc. The battery must be connected to the wires that go to the generator winding or using the cigarette lighter in the cabin.
Charging can take up to 20 minutes. If the car does not start, you can try to push or "pull". This method is suitable for any type of car.
drunk start
Another unusual method that requires a bottle of dry wine. All you have to do is pour 150 grams of wine into the electrolyte holes. These actions will provoke a powerful oxidative reaction inside the generator. It will raise the tension and weaken the resistance. The battery will give current and the starter will start to turn the crankshaft.
Important! This method is an emergency, after using it your battery will become a “drunkard” and you will have to buy a new one. And this is a good blow to your budget.
Now you are ready for all awkward situations, even those when no one can help you. At the right time, be sure to use these methods to start the engine. But, most importantly, do not forget about the correct and careful operation of your power source. Good luck on the roads!
None of the car owners are immune from sudden problems. One of these problems can be a dead battery. It takes a long time to charge it. It's good if the battery runs out in the garage when starting the engine, but what to do when you are away from home?
It is this problem that will be discussed in the article. You will learn how to start the car if the battery is suddenly dead. Simple tips will help you get home on your own or drive to a service station.
But before you solve the problem with a dead battery, make sure that it is because of it that you cannot start.
Signs by which a weak battery level is determined:
- peppy engine noise changes to a slow and viscous sound;
- the dashboard glows dimly;
- the charge indicator is on;
- under the hood you can hear the charging relay clicking.
4 ways to start the car if the battery is dead
Donor car. This method works on cars with any transmission.
You will need:
- donor car with a good battery;
- starting wires with crocodiles.
Procedure
Put the cars nearby and turn off all electronic devices: headlights, radio, stove. Connect the batteries with wires in parallel - plus to plus (red), and minus to minus (black). Start the donor for 2-3 minutes, and then the car with a dead battery. Then disconnect the wires and give the engine time to run at increased speed so that charging goes faster.
Tow. This method will help if the car is equipped with a manual transmission.
You will need:
- a cable four meters long;
- second car.
Procedure
Connect both machines with a cable. When you start to accelerate, depress the clutch and shift into second gear. Look at the speedometer scale, when reaching a speed of 15 km / h, slowly release the clutch pedal. You will feel a slight jolt and the car will start.
Depress the clutch again, give it gas. Check that the engine is revving steadily, shift the gearshift lever to neutral and release the clutch pedal.
The car can be started with a manual pusher. This requires several people who will push the car. The sequence of actions is similar.
Crooked starter. Motorists called a crooked starter a special device that was inserted into the hole of the crankshaft pulley, and then twisted it several times. This method was popular and was used on old Soviet cars. Modern cars are not equipped with such a useful device. But human ingenuity does not stand still and always helps to get out of a hopeless situation.
You will need:
- rope for five meters;
- gloves;
- jack.
Procedure
Put the car on the handbrake if it has front-wheel drive. To brake a rear-wheel drive machine, place bricks, stones, or wheel chocks under the wheels. Using a jack, raise the drive wheel and wrap a few turns of rope around it. After that, turn on the ignition and first gear. The end of the rope must be pulled sharply, applying all the force to spin the wheel.
Launch device. The starter charger is a quick way to start the engine.
There are two types:
- working from a network 220V;
- autonomous with a large capacity.
Procedure
Connect the ROM wires to the battery. Wait five minutes for the battery to recharge. Start the car and disconnect the wires of the device.
Battery maintenance rules
To prevent the battery from being discharged, check it regularly. By following simple rules, you will increase the battery life and you will always be able to start the car engine.
Maintenance free batteries
Owners of these types of batteries do not need to carry out frequent checks. All you need to do is periodically wipe and monitor the integrity of the case.
Serviced batteries
Owners of these types of batteries should follow a number of simple preventive steps:
- clean from dirt;
- check the electrolyte level;
- monitor the reliability of the terminal fastenings;
- check the integrity of the case;
- charge if electrolyte density is low.
The frequency of battery maintenance depends on the regular use of the vehicle. It is best to inspect every 4 thousand kilometers. If the battery is old and often discharged, this is a reason to think about buying a new one.
Rechargeable batteries are of Russian and foreign production, serviced and unattended. Among these types of batteries, it is easy to stumble upon a fake that looks like a popular brand in appearance.
The battery is an important part of the car, so it is unwise to save on it, especially if winter is coming soon. In order not to make a mistake, approach the choice seriously and carefully. And then you will be able to purchase a high-quality battery that will work for a long time and will not let you down at the most inopportune moment.
Russian manufacturers give guarantees for batteries up to 5 years of service. Their foreign counterparts work properly up to 7 years. This is due to the fact that with high-quality production and compliance with the conditions for proper use, the service life is increased by a solid period. Batteries of a Russian manufacturer are inferior to foreign batteries. But time does not stand still and domestic models are gradually improving. This is facilitated by competition.
The price inevitably depends on the quality. Imported batteries are much more expensive. This is justified by the fact that batteries of a foreign manufacturer perform better in work and last much longer. It is recommended to give preference to Russian and foreign companies that are proven and very popular. Batteries of unknown imported production may turn out to be worse than domestic ones.
And finally, if this is not the first time you've had a dead battery, take your car in for diagnostics. They will check and find the cause of the problem.
Video: how to start the engine if your battery is dead
