Yes, you can definitely jump-start a car with an automatic transmission. The process is fundamentally the same as for a manual car, with the critical step being to ensure the transmission is in Park (P) and the parking brake is engaged before connecting the jumper cables. The type of transmission doesn't interact with the electrical system; the 12-volt battery that needs the jump is separate.
The correct sequence is vital for safety and preventing damage to either vehicle's sensitive electronics. You'll need a set of jumper cables and a second car with a healthy battery.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Position the Cars: Park the working car close to the disabled car so the jumper cables can reach both batteries, but ensure the cars are not touching. Turn both engines off.
- Connect the Cables:
- Red Clamp (+) to the dead battery's positive terminal.
- Other Red Clamp (+) to the good battery's positive terminal.
- Black Clamp (-) to the good battery's negative terminal.
- Final Black Clamp (-) to an unpainted metal surface on the disabled car's engine block or chassis, away from the battery. This is a safety ground to minimize sparking near the battery, which can emit flammable hydrogen gas.
- Start the Donor Car: Start the engine of the working car and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
- Start the Dead Car: Attempt to start the car with the dead battery. If it starts, let both cars run connected for a few more minutes.
- Disconnect in Reverse Order: Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: black ground clamp from the jumped car, black clamp from the donor car, red clamp from the donor car, then red clamp from the jumped car.
Drive the jumped car for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery sufficiently. If the battery dies again soon after, it may be old and unable to hold a charge, indicating it's time for a replacement.
