There may come a time when your Dodge Journey experiences a dead battery and you need to jump start it. Knowing how to jump start your vehicle can save you time and money, and get you back on the road quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of jump-starting a Dodge Journey.
What You’ll Need:
- A set of jumper cables
- Another vehicle with a functioning battery
- Safety gloves and goggles (optional but recommended)
Step 1: Find a Good Samaritan
If your Dodge Journey’s battery has died, you’ll need another vehicle with a functioning battery to jump-start it. Ask a friend, family member, or a kind stranger nearby who is willing to help you out.
Step 2: Position the Vehicles
Park the vehicle with the functioning battery close to your Dodge Journey, allowing enough space between the hood of both vehicles to easily access the batteries. Both vehicles should be turned off, with their parking brakes engaged.
Step 3: Identify the Battery Terminals
Open the hood of both vehicles and locate the battery terminals. They should be labeled as positive (+) and negative (-). The positive terminal is usually red, while the negative terminal is often black.
Step 4: Connect the Jumper Cables
Now it’s time to connect the jumper cables:
| Jumper Cable Connection | |
|---|---|
| STEP 1 | Connect one end of the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery (Dodge Journey). |
| STEP 2 | Connect the other end of the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the good battery. |
| STEP 3 | Connect one end of the negative (-) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery. |
| STEP 4 | Connect the other end of the negative (-) jumper cable to a metal surface on the engine block of your Dodge Journey (do not connect it directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery). |
Step 5: Start the Vehicles
Once the jumper cables are securely connected, start the vehicle with the functioning battery and let it run for a few minutes. This will allow the dead battery to gain some charge.
Step 6: Start the Dead Vehicle
Now, try starting your Dodge Journey. If the battery was the underlying issue, it should start up. If it doesn’t, double-check the connections and let the vehicles sit for a few more minutes before attempting again.
Step 7: Disconnect the Jumper Cables
Once your Dodge Journey is running, carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order of how they were connected:
- Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the engine block of your Dodge Journey.
- Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the good battery.
- Disconnect the positive (+) cable from the good battery.
- Disconnect the positive (+) cable from the dead battery (Dodge Journey).
Final Thoughts
Jump-starting a Dodge Journey is a simple process as long as you follow the proper steps and take necessary precautions. Remember to always wear safety gloves and goggles when working with batteries. If your Dodge Journey continues to experience battery issues, it’s recommended to have the battery and charging system checked by a qualified mechanic.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you become more confident in jump-starting your Dodge Journey in case of a dead battery. Stay safe on the road!
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Jump Start A Dodge Journey: A Complete Guide To Reviving Your Car
How Do You Jump Start A Dodge Journey?
To jump start a Dodge Journey, you’ll need a set of jumper cables and another vehicle with a fully charged battery. Connect the positive terminals, negative terminals, then start the Dodge Journey’s engine.
Can I Use A Portable Jump Starter To Jump Start My Dodge Journey?
Yes, a portable jump starter is a great alternative to using another vehicle. Connect the jump starter to the Dodge Journey’s battery, then start the engine.
What Should I Do If My Dodge Journey Doesn’t Start After A Jump?
If your Dodge Journey doesn’t start after a jump, double-check the connections, let the battery charge for a few minutes, and try again. If it still doesn’t start, you may need to replace the battery.
How Often Should I Jump Start My Dodge Journey?
Ideally, you should only jump start your Dodge Journey when the battery is dead. However, if you frequently jump start it, it may be time to have the battery and electrical system checked by a professional.