Why Won't the Car Start Even After a Jump Start?
2 Answers
Severely Depleted Battery: This occurs when the battery is too deeply discharged and hasn't had sufficient charging time. You can try running the rescue vehicle for about 10 minutes before attempting to start the dead vehicle. After successful startup, keep the previously dead vehicle running for approximately 30 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. If it still won't start, consider the possibility of a starter motor failure. Below is relevant information: 1. Use Dedicated Jumper Cables: When performing a jump start, it's best to use dedicated automotive jumper cables. Never use homemade cables or poor-quality jumper cables for this purpose. 2. Proper Connection Sequence: When connecting the cables, always follow the correct sequence - connect the positive terminal first, then the negative. Additionally, ensure the positive and negative cable clamps never touch each other, and the positive cable clamp must not come into contact with any metal parts of the vehicle.
After helping my neighbor jump-start the car, it still wouldn’t start, and I was really worried. We initially thought the battery was completely dead, but upon reflection, loose jumper cable connections preventing current flow are a common issue. If you hear a clicking sound but the engine doesn’t turn over, it’s likely a starter motor failure or it being stuck. Alternatively, the battery itself might be too old and internally shorted, making jump-starting ineffective. Extreme weather can also play a role—frozen fuel lines in winter or high temperatures accelerating battery discharge in summer can complicate things. Before jump-starting, it’s wise to wait a few minutes for voltage stabilization and use a multimeter to check the battery’s condition. Don’t give up too quickly; try another vehicle, but ensure safe operation away from flammable materials. If all else fails, calling a tow truck directly saves unnecessary effort.
