Jumper cables hooked up backwards

MetalGrand · Jan 8, 2024

Today I helped a coworker jump start their 4Runner.

Unfortunately they hooked up theirs backwards and noticed both vehicles starting to smoke and it fried the jumper cable. I was able to get the cables off my truck (2018 2500)

I noticed a message on my dashboard that said batter saver. I turned off my truck and I checked everything. I believe everything is working correctly and my truck drove home fine. What should I check to see if any damage was done?

Atticus · Jan 8, 2024

Historically, that was a sure fire way of killing the diodes in the alternator. Make sure you're charging when running and if so, you are most likely fine.

tron67j · Jan 8, 2024

I advise anyone who asks to never jump another vehicle. Get a portable jump starter or have them call AAA.

Ramsteen23 · Jan 8, 2024

Or just hook up the cables yourself...you would think the subtle color difference (sarcasm) would make it idiot proof but I guess not

ANGLICO · Jan 8, 2024

Ramsteen23 said:
Or just hook up the cables yourself...you would think the subtle color difference (sarcasm) would make it idiot proof but I guess not

This!

If I am offering help, when asked, I am in charge of the event. If it becomes questionable, I call the "stop work."

Especially for recovery. Don't skimp on the math and basic observation (color matters, as stated above).

pacofortacos · Jan 9, 2024

I'd check fuses under the hood, too.

Dean2 · Jan 9, 2024

tron67j said:
I advise anyone who asks to never jump another vehicle. Get a portable jump starter or have them call AAA.

Agreed. I put a jump box in each vehicle, not for my use, but to boost others. The rolling computers we drive do not take well to even small mistakes. If they can't fire theirs off with the jump box, time to call a tow truck. OP, you are very lucky you got off with no serious issues, or at least that is how it appears.

Whoever you are helping are going to run for the exits if there is damage done to your vehicle, they aren't going to cover the bill for you. Any damage to theirs, they will be on you like a fat kid on Candy.

Even recovery, I make them hook to their own vehicle and take care of all precautions needed for mine, myself. I make it real clear, any damage is their problem and I record it on my phone. I would hate to leave someone stuck in a ditch in frigid weather but helping people isn't appreciated the way it used to be.

GTyankee · Jan 9, 2024

If that were to happen to me, where someone needs a jump start.
And it happens every now & then, friend or stranger.

They can borrow my jumper cables, but my battery is unavailable.
That rule goes on any vehicles with all the electronics of any vehicle like a my Rams.

Call me for help & i will bring my Battery Jump Pack & my Jumper Cables are always in the truck

ThinkMud · Jan 9, 2024

Dean2 said:
..... I put a jump box in each vehicle, not for my use, but to boost others....

What do you mean a jump box? like those cig-lighter chargeable battery things?

Shawn Burns · Jan 9, 2024

This is the one that I have my eye on.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BR57PDDY/?coliid=I1FOF1W82WP9M8&colid=2OYJAXAGMGCA5&ref_=list_c_wl_gv_ov_lig_pi_dp&th=1

BossHogg · Jan 9, 2024

Shawn Burns said:
This is the one that I have my eye on.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BR57PDDY/?coliid=I1FOF1W82WP9M8&colid=2OYJAXAGMGCA5&ref_=list_c_wl_gv_ov_lig_pi_dp&th=1

Check out Project Farm's review and real-world testing of some of the jump packs on the market. There are so many it is unlikely he can test them all but over the years, his testing has the very affordable Gooloo brand coming out in the top.

https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectFarm/search?query=jump%20pack

GTyankee · Jan 9, 2024

ThinkMud

Jump Packs usually have something like a Rechargeable AGM or Lithium Battery inside a box
some even have a compressor in them

markabby · Jan 9, 2024

don't intend to sound mean, but, i never offer to pull some one out with a tow. I've read too many times where people try to claim it hurt their front ends, or transmission, or body parts. I tell them to call a tow truck instead.

as far as jumping another vehicle, with all the electronics these days, i pass on that too, so i never carry cables. I'm not going to get blamed for another's electrical issues even if the cables were hooked up right.

we live in the twilight zone these days, so, you have to act accordingly..

CRS1968 · Jan 9, 2024

ThinkMud said:
What do you mean a jump box? like those cig-lighter chargeable battery things?

Just bought a Noco 40 on Amazon for $100.00. Good review on YouTube. Jumped 6 cars on 1 charge. Haven’t had an opportunity to test it yet myself and hope I never do!

kdoublep · Jan 9, 2024

$40 off brings this down significantly. I got it a few monrhs back. Have not tested it though.

YaberAuto Car Battery Jump Starter 6000A Jump Box (All Gas/12.0L Diesel) Portable Battery Pack, 12V Car Battery Jumper with Extended Jumper Cables, 45W Fast Charging, 600 Lumens Light https://a.co/d/jdiMUrq

Ramsteen23 · Jan 9, 2024

Shawn Burns said:
This is the one that I have my eye on.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BR57PDDY/?coliid=I1FOF1W82WP9M8&colid=2OYJAXAGMGCA5&ref_=list_c_wl_gv_ov_lig_pi_dp&th=1

Thanks for the tip and link...I just ordered it....looks like it has great reviews.

I always try to lend a hand when someone's in a bind and it's as easy as giving them a jump...I've been there and I believe in karma. That being said, I didn't realize I could cause damage to my truck. Will be good to have this jump starter pack handy plus will be nice to have for my own truck if the need should arise.

Dean2 · Jan 9, 2024

CRS1968 said:
Just bought a Noco 40 on Amazon for $100.00. Good review on YouTube. Jumped 6 cars on 1 charge. Haven’t had an opportunity to test it yet myself and hope I never do!

Bought another 2 noco 40s for some new vehicles. Were on sale at Canadian Tire for 120 Canadian a couple of weeks ago.

DudeWalksOnWater · Jan 9, 2024

MetalGrand said:
Today I helped a coworker jump start their 4Runner.

Unfortunately they hooked up theirs backwards and noticed both vehicles starting to smoke and it fried the jumper cable. I was able to get the cables off my truck (2018 2500)

I noticed a message on my dashboard that said batter saver. I turned off my truck and I checked everything. I believe everything is working correctly and my truck drove home fine. What should I check to see if any damage was done?

IF you are charging correctly and no codes are coming up, then count your lucky stars that you did not fry your ECM. In the future the vehicle being boosted is "always" grounded to the engine block or any solid metal piece connected to the frame, and never to the battery itself.

Shawn Burns · Jan 11, 2024

Dean2 said:
Bought another 2 noco 40s for some new vehicles. Were on sale at Canadian Tire for 120 Canadian a couple of weeks ago.

I do like and trust the NOCO brand. I have a lithium battery on my KTM and I've used their chargers for the past few years.

Shawn Burns · Jan 11, 2024

Ramsteen23 said:
Thanks for the tip and link...I just ordered it....looks like it has great reviews.

I always try to lend a hand when someone's in a bind and it's as easy as giving them a jump...I've been there and I believe in karma. That being said, I didn't realize I could cause damage to my truck. Will be good to have this jump starter pack handy plus will be nice to have for my own truck if the need should arise.

I am like you. I think there are litigious people out in this world that could spoil a good deed. I can't let them change who I am. My wife could tell you a funny story of me nearly getting run down by a car and nearly bitten by a snapping turtle as I was trying to get it off of the roadway. I imagine she wouldn't be with me if I was the kind of man that would just look the other way, despite all of the risk.

Jumper cables hooked up backwards

Junior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Share this page