can an automatic car jump start another car

[SadieLee]

Yes, an automatic car can absolutely jump-start another car. The transmission type—automatic or manual—has no impact on a vehicle's ability to provide a jump start. The process depends entirely on the 12-volt electrical system and the battery, which are standard in both types of vehicles. The key is following the correct procedure to avoid damage to either car's sensitive electronics.

The jumper cables create a circuit between the two batteries. The good battery in the donor car provides the necessary power to crank the starter motor in the dead car. Here’s the safe, step-by-step method:

1. Position the cars: Park the donor car close to the disabled car so the jumper cables can reach both batteries, but ensure the vehicles do not touch.
2. Turn off both engines: Shut off the ignition and all electronics (lights, radio, A/C) in both cars. Engage the parking brakes.
3. Connect the cables in this exact order:
   • Red (+) to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
   • Red (+) to the positive terminal of the good battery.
   • Black (-) to the negative terminal of the good battery.
   • Black (-) to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the engine block or frame of the dead car (a ground point), NOT to the dead battery's negative terminal. This minimizes the risk of sparking near battery gases.
4. Start the donor car: Let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
5. Start the disabled car: Attempt to start the car with the dead battery. If it starts, let both cars run connected for a few more minutes.
6. Disconnect in reverse order: Carefully remove the cables in the exact reverse sequence: black from the ground on the jumped car, black from the donor battery, red from the donor battery, then red from the jumped car.

Vehicle Type	Can it be a Donor Car?	Key Consideration
Standard Automatic Transmission	Yes	Ensure the vehicle is securely in "Park".
Manual Transmission	Yes	Ensure the vehicle is in "Neutral" with the parking brake engaged.
Hybrid Vehicle	Yes (Typically)	Consult the owner's manual; the 12V battery is usually in the trunk or under the hood.
Electric Vehicle (EV)	Yes (Often)	Many EVs have a dedicated "jump-start" or "support" mode; the owner's manual is essential.

The primary risk is not the transmission but incorrect cable connection, which can cause serious electrical damage. If the car doesn't start after a proper jump, the issue may be a failed battery that needs replacement, a faulty alternator, or another electrical problem.

[MacQuinn]

For sure, my automatic SUV has been the hero in a few parking lot rescues. It's not about the transmission at all. It's all about the battery under the hood. You just need good jumper cables and to hook them up in the right order: positive to positive, then negative to the good battery, and the last negative clip to a bare metal bolt on the dead car's engine. Get it wrong, and you can fry a computer, so if you're unsure, a quick YouTube video is smarter than guessing.

[MacPaul]

The mechanics are identical regardless of transmission type. The critical factor is the battery's capacity, measured in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). A small car with a low CCA battery might struggle to jump-start a large truck. The procedure's safety hinges on correct cable connection sequence to prevent voltage spikes from damaging ECUs (Engine Control Units). Always refer to the vehicle's owner's manual for any model-specific instructions or warnings before attempting a jump-start.