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Can jump-starting a car cause electrical problems?
My friend called me last week to help them jump-start their car outside their house—I’d never done it before, but I’ve always been told to be careful while jump-starting a car. Is there a possibility that jump-starting a car could cause issues to either vehicle’s electrical system?
Jason Crosby · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Jump-starting a car incorrectly can cause some major electrical problems. However, this primarily applies to cars produced after the year 2000, which typically have more extensive computer systems with more electrical components and sensors. You may be wondering why so many of us have learned how to jumpstart a car, and why we’ve been doing it at all if it’s potentially bad for the vehicle.
The truth is that jump-starting a newer car should be done only in emergency situations (like if your car battery is dead and you’re stranded at home or in public). Some of the potential systems that can either be damaged or even deployed by one bad jump include:
Jumping a car can cause a power surge to both the vehicle that needs to be jumped, and the one providing the current. And if you do find yourself in a position to jump a car, be sure to follow our guide on how to quickly and successfully jump-start a vehicle by yourself—we’ll help you get back on the road in a flash. It’s just as quick and easy to sign up with
Jerry
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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