Having trouble starting your car? Don’t worry; it might not be anything complicated. Oftentimes, a simple and inexpensive fix can get you up and running again in no time! Today we’ll show you an easy way to jump-start your car with just a screwdriver – no extra cost or bulky jumper cables required!
We’ll walk through the steps of how to jump a starter with a screwdriver so that you can have the confidence to do this yourself next time, as well as how to prevent future issues like this from occurring. So, if you’re sensing some frustration because of a stubborn automotive problem, read on for our guide on easy and affordable solutions!
Can I Start My Car with a Screwdriver?
No, it is not possible to start a car with a screwdriver. However, you can jump-start your car using a screwdriver if your starter has failed. This method requires two people, one who will drive the working vehicle and another who will be in the stalled vehicle connecting the terminals of the battery with a screwdriver. This should only be done as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.
Before attempting to jumpstart your car with a screwdriver, make sure that the battery is charged enough so that power can flow through it. If you know how to read an analog voltmeter or multimeter, you can check if the voltage of your battery is at least 12V (or 6V for older cars).
If the battery is charged, you should start by making sure that all electrical systems in both cars are shut off. This includes lights, radios, air conditioning, and other accessories. Then pop the hood of both cars and locate the positive (red) and negative (black) terminals on their respective batteries. If needed, consult your car’s manual to find them.
Next, insert a flat-blade screwdriver between the two terminals of the stalled vehicle’s battery; make sure it is fully inserted but not touching any other metal parts besides the two terminals. Then take another flat-blade screwdriver and connect it to the positive terminal of the working vehicle’s battery and then touch it against the positive terminal of the stalled vehicle’s battery.
Finally, get inside the working vehicle and start it up. As soon as it is running, immediately remove both screwdrivers from the terminals of both batteries, as this could cause a spark and possibly an electrical fire.
9 Methods How to Jump a Starter with a Screwdriver
1. Assemble the Screwdriver and Jumper Cables:
To jump-start the starter, you will need both a screwdriver and some jumper cables. A basic set of jumper cables can be purchased at any local auto parts store or big box retailer. Make sure the screwdriver is one with insulated handles that fit securely in your hand.
If you don’t have a screwdriver with insulated handles, wear protective gloves when connecting the jumper cables to avoid electrocution. However, always make sure the gloves are dry and free of any dirt or oil.
2. Prepare your Vehicle:
Open the hood of your car and locate the positive and negative terminals on the battery. It is important to identify these correctly, as connecting them incorrectly may damage your vehicle’s electrical system or cause an explosion.
Once you have identified them, attach the red positive clamp of the jumper cable to the positive post of the battery, then attach the black negative clamp to an unpainted metal surface away from any plastic parts near the battery, such as intake manifolds or fuel hoses for extra safety measure. While your vehicle is still off, attach the screwdriver to the positive post of the battery.
3. Prepare Another Vehicle:
If possible, use another car with a battery that holds a charge to jump-start yours by attaching one end of each cable to its respective posts on that battery as well.
Make sure not to connect these clamps together when doing this procedure in order to avoid creating sparks that could potentially ignite nearby combustible materials like gasoline fumes which are highly flammable and dangerous!
If you don’t have another car available, you can also use a portable jump starter pack instead, which works similarly but without needing two vehicles involved in this process.
4. Connecting the Screwdriver:
Next, take your screwdriver and place it securely between both terminals of each cable – red on one side and black on another – before tightening them down with pliers or an adjustable wrench if needed depending upon how tight they are already connected to their respective posts/clamps respectively.
This creates a direct connection between both batteries’ terminals so they can transfer power from one source over into yours while simultaneously grounding out any potential arcing or sparking due to misalignment/poor connections at either terminal thus preventing potential damage from occurring due to further use, during this procedure!
If done correctly, you should now see a spark going from either terminal being jumped across by this direct connection created by way of using your screwdriver as sort of like an “intermediary bridge” between them!
5. Start-up Engine:
After making sure all connections are secure, have one person stand near where your ignition cylinder is located while another stand near where their own vehicles engine bay is located in order to signal when they both want their respective engines started up simultaneously (or else there may not be enough charge/power/amperage being transferred over).
Once both parties are ready, turn-key positions are over until each engine starts up! You will know when it does because there will be noticeable sound changes coming from within each motor bay area after turning their keys over several times in quick succession, often accompanied by lights flickering on dashboards, too, if applicable for certain makes & models out there today!
6. Remove the Screwdriver:
Now that both motors have started up successfully, thanks largely in part due having set up this direct connection via our improvised “bridge-like” mechanism made possible through our trusty old Screwdriver here today, we can now safely remove the said tool from its position between these two points before disconnecting all clamps altogether once again prior concluding our work here today!
Additionally, it is always important to be sure that all used surfaces are properly wiped clean of any dirt, corrosion, and residual oils which may have been transferred between these two contact points in the process. After all, prevention is always better than cure! With that said, please proceed with removing the Screwdriver from its current position and have a safe, fun journey!
7. Test Drive Your Vehicle:
After everything has been safely disconnected here today, go ahead and take your newly jumped vehicle for a test drive around town just to make sure that all systems appear functioning properly before heading back home afterward, as normal everyday operations would dictate (i.e., stop signs, traffic signals, etc.).
But regardless of what happens during this process, always remember that it never hurts to double-check everything once again prior to leaving so no mistakes end up being made unnecessarily along the way – mistakes that could otherwise lead to costly repairs should things go wrong during the course operation time due to lack proper attention beforehand!
8. Shut Off the Engine Properly:
Once satisfied with how the vehicle performed during the test drive phase – shut off the engine properly (i.e. let the idle down gradually rather than abruptly cut off) before actually exiting the premises yourself altogether, finally closing out the task here today, officially speaking at least!
Be sure to remind your friends that it’s always important to shut off the engine properly whenever possible, no matter what kind of job you’re doing. This helps to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently in the long term!
9. Disconnect Jumper Cables And Store Them Away Safely:
Once done vacating the area, double-check once more for any burning smells or smoke coming from the engine. If everything looks good, disconnect the jumper cables from both cars and store them away in a safe place. Make sure to have a jumper cable kit handy just in case of emergencies when you’re out and about.
Keep track of the expiration date so that you can replace any worn-out parts before they fail you. That’s it – you have successfully jump-started your car with a screwdriver and jumper cables! Knowing this skill will come in handy during emergency situations, so don’t forget the basics of how to do it. Stay safe on the roads, and keep your vehicles maintained for any eventuality.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to jump a starter with a screwdriver, you’ll be able to get back on the road in no time – without having to call a tow truck or pay for a jump start. Remember, always protect yourself and your car when performing any maintenance. Make sure there is no fire or smoke present in the area before attempting to jump start the car, and always read the manual to double-check if you’re unsure. With a screwdriver and jumper cables, you’ll be able to jump start your car in no time. Be sure to keep this tip in mind for next time and share it with your friends so they’ll be prepared, too!
