- Are the clamps too short to reach the battery? Clamp red onto the positive terminal of the battery and black onto a ground point: a sturdy, unpainted metal part of the chassis or the engine block.
- A ground point is the exception. Can you reach the battery normally? Then clamp black straight onto the negative terminal.
- Red always goes on the positive terminal of the battery, never on a ground point.
- Wait until the screen shows "12V Ready" before you start.
The battery of your car is sometimes tucked away deep: under a cover panel, in the trunk or under a seat. Do the supplied clamps just not reach the negative terminal? No need to panic. With an alternative ground point you can still connect safely. In this short guide you'll read exactly how, and why this is the exception and not the standard.
Why do you normally clamp straight onto the battery?
AutoXtreme jumpstarters work with smart clamps. These are protected against reverse polarity, short circuits and sparks. That's why you simply clamp them straight onto the battery terminals: red on the positive terminal, black on the negative terminal. You don't have to look for a remote ground point like with old school jump leads. Only when the cables really don't reach the battery do you switch to a ground point.
Here's how to connect with an alternative ground point
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Red on the positive terminal
Clamp the red clamp onto the positive terminal of the battery. You recognize the positive terminal by a plus sign or a red cap. Red always stays on the battery, even if the cables are short.
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Black on a ground point
Clamp the black clamp onto a sturdy, unpainted metal part of the chassis or the engine block, close to the battery but away from moving parts and the fuel line. Look for bare metal, no paint or grease, so the contact is good.
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12V Ready and start
If the screen shows "12V Ready", everything's fine and you start the engine. Once it catches, disconnect the black clamp from the ground point first, then the red one from the battery.
Pay attention with the ground point. Never clamp black onto the fuel line, onto moving parts or right above the battery itself. Choose a clean, unpainted metal point. Don't let the red and black clamp touch each other. Is your battery deeply discharged and nothing happens? Then use ForceStart. That temporarily switches off the protections, so only use it when it's really needed and follow the instructions closely.
When do you really need a ground point?
In most cars you reach both battery terminals easily with the supplied clamps. You only use a ground point in those few cases where the negative terminal is just out of reach. Think of a battery under the back seat or deep in the trunk. Can you reach the negative terminal? Then just do that: straight onto the terminal is the simplest and safest route. Not sure where your battery is? Check your vehicle manual.
What do you do after starting?
Once the engine is running, disconnect the clamps in reverse order: black first, then red. A jumpstarter doesn't charge your battery, it only gives it the push to start. Then drive for at least 15 to 30 minutes, so the alternator recharges the battery. Does your vehicle start sluggishly again the next day? Then the battery probably needs replacing. Fully recharge your jumpstarter after use.
- 620 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps, the real starting power in a cold start), suitable for most petrol and diesel cars
- Smart clamps with protection against reverse polarity, short circuits and sparks
- Compact enough for the glove compartment
Frequently asked questions
Where do I connect the black clamp if the cables are too short?
Clamp the black clamp onto a sturdy, unpainted metal part of the chassis or the engine block, away from moving parts and the fuel line. Red always stays on the positive terminal of the battery.
Can the red clamp also go on a ground point?
No. Red always goes on the positive terminal of the battery. Only the black clamp goes to a ground point, and only when you can't reach the negative terminal.
Is connecting to a ground point less safe?
No, as long as you choose a clean piece of unpainted metal, away from fuel and moving parts. The smart clamps are protected against reverse polarity, short circuits and sparks. Don't let the clamps touch each other.
In what order do I disconnect the clamps?
In the reverse order of connecting: first the black clamp from the ground point, then the red clamp from the battery.
Why don't I normally need to use a ground point?
Because the smart clamps are protected, you can simply clamp them straight onto the battery terminals. A remote ground point is only needed when the cables don't reach the battery.
