What to Do When an Automatic Transmission Car Has a Dead Battery?
2 Answers
Solutions for an automatic transmission car with a dead battery: Use an external power source or replace the battery to start the car. The external power source can be a jump-start from another functioning vehicle or an emergency jump starter. Unlike manual transmission cars, automatic transmission cars cannot be push-started when the battery is dead, as this can cause significant damage to the vehicle. Steps to jump-start an automatic transmission car: 1. First, prepare two battery cables and position the two cars as close as possible, facing each other head-on. 2. The assisting vehicle should turn off all ignition switches, lights, and electrical loads, and engage the parking brakes for both vehicles. The automatic transmission car should be in 'P' (Park) mode. 3. Locate the batteries in both cars and identify the positive and negative terminals. 4. Remove the terminal covers, attach the red battery cable clamp to the positive terminal first, then the black clamp to the negative terminal. After connecting all four terminals, start the car with the dead battery.
Last week I also experienced the trouble of a dead car battery. It suddenly stalled while I was driving on the highway, which really panicked me. The first thing was to ensure safety by pulling over and turning on the hazard lights to avoid accidents. For automatic transmission cars, the transmission system is locked in the P position, so push-starting isn't an option. At this point, the best solution is to ask a friend for help with a jump start: bring a car with a working battery close, connect the red clamp to the positive terminal of my battery, and the black clamp to the negative terminal or a metal part of the car body. After connecting the cables, start the car with the working battery first, then start my car, and let the engine run for a few minutes to charge. Remember to turn off all electrical appliances in the car. If no one is available to help, call roadside assistance—they will handle it professionally. I usually keep an emergency jump starter in the trunk, which is very convenient in critical moments. It's recommended to check the battery life every quarter to avoid issues due to expiration.
