h2ouup2

I guess I never really thought about it, but the newer F150’s do have a lot more electronics then the older models. With that being said the other day there was a lady in a parking lot with a dead battery. She had a set of jumper cables and was asking for a jump. I was sitting in my wife’s car waiting on her and had no keys, but told her as soon as my wife comes out we can help. Then this guy comes up and offered to take her for help, but refused to jump her car saying it would ruin his electrical system.
Finally a guy comes along and jumps her vehicle (new F150 btw) – no problems and off she goes.


So I come home and start looking up jumper cables and find that yes you “can” damage your electrical system on newer vehicles when you use jumper cables.



Since I keep a set of jumper cables in my truck my question is this? What type of jumper cables do you carry in your truck (if any), and what real world experience do you have? I’m looking for real world recommendations from the great people on this form because this will be my next purchase: A friendly safe set of jumper cables or equivalent.


Thanks.

DanAustin

I was a private contractor for roadside assistance for about 6 months as a night job. I used the 2 guage ones from auto zone 20ft long and jump started over 100 cars / trucks with my truck never an issue. Hook the dead car up first pos first the ground then on my truck pos and ground cable to frame. The cars we did the most are 2010 and up BMWs for some reason their batteries suck. With alot of newer cars they have jump points but most are ****ty and to get a better connection go directly to the battery. Jump boxes are a waste of money if your jumping more than a couple cars a day.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=125337_0_0_

corsica

Jumped a few cars with my 2012 f150. Never had an issue. Long as it is hooked up right there shouldn't b a problem. The leads I use r prolly 10 years old. Don't know the brand or anything.

Stu Cazzo

My rule of thumb has always been...if I'm going to give a boost...my vehicle is always turned off.

billf

I jumped a couple of cars recently with my 4 gauge 16 foot cables from my 2012 F150 with no obvious bad effects.

Where did you learn that damage might be caused?

h2ouup2

One of the automotive forums, they had a video showing how it could cause spikes ruining your electrical system.

nullname

Two cars before my 2013 F150 I owned a Range Rover. There was a tiny pyrotechnic attachment on one of the battery leads that would explode to disconnect the battery in the event of an accident.

You can see it discussed here if my words are not enough:

http://www.rangerovers.net/forum/6-r...-starting.html

Anyhow, getting back to the F150, I always carry around a jump battery and I've used that many times to help people out who need a jump. For under $100 it's a great investment, peace of mind, and a lot less costly than frying your fancy-shmancy LCD monitor or computer components connected to the F150's main battery.

LaBalaDePlata

iTrader: (3)

The owners manual says how to properly jump a vehicle

Papa D

Owners manual says:

5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.

Also says to connect with the engine off. I have always hooked up cables with the engine running..

h2ouup2

You know the owners manual is a wonderful thing. More of us should read it. lol

I read it cover to cover when I first got my truck, but that has been over a year ago. I'll break it out and read it again.