Portable Jump Starter

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Finz

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Can I get some opinions or recommendations on a portable jump starter? I consider myself lucky getting the cars started this last weekend but feel I'm on borrowed time.

I have cables but want to see about one of those brief case looking things... So much more convenient

Would be for cars in signature below

Thank you in advance
 
Originally Posted By: Finz
Batteries are fairly new


Then you shouldn't need a booster. How cold are you seeing? We had -22F recently. Tonight will be -4F.
 
Probably get sub zero tomorrow morning.

Do you have a booster Overkill?

If so, what brand? Would you recommend it?
 
Originally Posted By: Finz
Probably get sub zero tomorrow morning.

Do you have a booster Overkill?

If so, what brand? Would you recommend it?


Nope, I just buy big batteries, LOL!
smile.gif
 
Those jump starters are only good for a one second punch("Peak power").Keep cranking and they cant develop enough oomph to do much but listen to the starter slowwwwdowwwwwnnn and then quit.
 
I think I got this one on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Clore-JNC660-Jump-...ds=jump+starter

But, if the jump-pak is alzo 0F it will not help much. It needs to be kept indoors so its warm and will have full power.

The heavier and more amps the better. If you can carry it easily its no good. Forget the compressor or inverter.

A pair of very heavy gauge jumper cables is also an alternative.

So is a diesel truck with dual batteries.
 
Originally Posted By: Finz
Can I get some opinions or recommendations on a portable jump starter? I consider myself lucky getting the cars started this last weekend but feel I'm on borrowed time.

I have cables but want to see about one of those brief case looking things... So much more convenient

Would be for cars in signature below

Thank you in advance


Is it the 06 Odyssey that is being a PITA. Its common for these things have a 0.6 amp current draw when everything is turned off. This results in a low battery situation after just one day, even with a new battery.
Its usually the 40 amp accessory back up circuit in the under hood fuse box causing problems.

If your having trouble with newer batteries being low check the current draw.
 
I have this one; has a 12 V DC outlet too, which I find very useful.
8162EbM5dZL._SL1500_.jpg

Still haven't needed it for its main purpose, but seems to have plenty of power and lasts long after a single charge. (one can check it by pressing a button, to see how much charge is left).
Very well built.
Have to buy power cord separately.

However I bought it at almost half the normal price on amazon, during cyber Monday 2012.

http://www.amazon.com/Clore-JNC660-Jump-...ds=jump+starter
 
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I have the most expensive Black and Decker jump starter, but I am usually using it to repair cars with electrical system failures. I also use the integrated air compressor to inflate tires.

Since I live in Florida, I do not know if the jump starter has the power needed in extreme cold.
 
If your batteries are new and tested you should have zero issues starting. If you do get a booster pack id suggest getting one with high enough amps. I tested my battery and its still good and it started at -30 celsius. Sure it took a few seconds but it started and its a 7 year old battery..
 
Is it the 06 Odyssey that is being a PITA. Its common for these things have a 0.6 amp current draw when everything is turned off. This results in a low battery situation after just one day, even with a new battery.
Its usually the 40 amp accessory back up circuit in the under hood fuse box causing problems.

Yes...! I was curious about the other cars but specifically thinking of the Odyssey especially with this cold snap

I've read and re-read your response but don't fully understand how to accomplish what you recommend... How do I check draw and from where do I check draw?

I'm so relieved to hear that this is a "common" problem... Thought we just had a Monday morning special...

Thank you very much!!!
 
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Its very easy to check. take a multimeter set to 10 amps. remove the negative battery cable and connect one of the multimeter leads to the post and the other one to the cable.
A reading of 0.2 or less is normal on modern cars but anything above that especially in the 0.5 and above range is a problem.

Make sure you don't have the key in the ignition and do not open any doors for at least 20 minutes before testing this.
Some cars keep power going to some circuits for a short time after the car is shut off and doors closed.
Do not lock the doors or activate the security system.

Have an assistant pull the fuses one at a time while checking the draw to find the circuit causing the drain.
 
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Originally Posted By: Shannow
After seeing your winter and reading the threads, I wouldn't feel safe without one of these...
800px-AG330_start_cart.JPG



I saw these on sale at Walmart ... There's a $5 off coupon, too
 
I was looking for the same info. CR did a test 3 years ago and recommended the Black and Decker Simple Start and one of the Schumacher (but some had issues). They also had news from the CES about Antigravity Batteries Micro Start. Not many reviews on my quick search but watching the video makes me want one for each car. I have never really had a problem and rarely need a jump. I do carry cables in the cars and have often helped others.

The thing I hated about the regular jump start packs was the size/weight. I might get a cheaper regular one mainly for my father in law as he leaves his lights on 3-4 times per year. He has been my biggest jump start customer for many years and it's always in the rain when I'm sleeping good (I work nights). The micro starts are less than 1 pound and fit in a glove box or other small cubby, supposedly hold for 6 months also.
 
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