How long should I keep the engine running after jump-starting a dead battery?
1 Answers
After jump-starting a dead battery, you should keep the engine running for at least 1 hour before turning it off. Make sure to turn off all electrical devices before shutting down the engine. Here are the relevant details: Charging time: When a car battery is dead, the vehicle's alternator is used to recharge it. Taking a 12-volt 60-amp battery as an example, it requires constant voltage and current-limited charging: 14.8V constant voltage with 15A current limit for 16 hours, followed by 3A constant current for 4 hours, totaling 20 hours for a full charge. Important notes: If the engine can be started using the starter motor, it indicates the battery isn't severely depleted. Typically, driving for about 20 kilometers (12 miles) is sufficient to recharge the battery.