Question about using a jump starter on a car

[virtueixi]

So I just jump started someone's car. At first I connected the - (ground) to a piece of his cross member but it didn't work. The guy then says fvck it and connected it straight to the battery and it worked (sparked a bit). My question is what kind of damage could this potentialy cause considering this is a short circuit, right? Also is there a reason why the cross member wasn't a good enough ground?. The connection was good.

 

[Syringer]

It could potentially blow up the car the next time you start it but it should be fine.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: Syringer
It could potentially blow up the car the next time you start it but it should be fine.

Well, ACTUALLY, it coul d potentially blow up the battery, and do some serious damage to the car and even hurt &/or blind you. Ground the cable to the car, NOT the battery. Also, the ground connects LAST, not first.

 

[virtueixi]

Originally posted by: Syringer
It could potentially blow up the car the next time you start it but it should be fine.

Good thing its not my car then.:laugh:

 

[virtueixi]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: Syringer
It could potentially blow up the car the next time you start it but it should be fine.

Well, ACTUALLY, it coul d potentially blow up the battery, and do some serious damage to the car and even hurt &/or blind you. Ground the cable to the car, NOT the battery. Also, the ground connects LAST, not first.

Holy crap, thats really good to know. I did know about connecting the ground last though. My eyes feel really itchy, I think I'm going blind!! Imagine stoping out of your way to help a few strangers and then BOOM.

 

[Baked]

Note to self: Never jump start anybody's car again unless car's driven by hot single female.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

the reason you connect a ground last and to something away from the battery is because when charging/maybe discharging too hydrogen bubbles out of the electolyte, you can pop a vent off and watch this. the last connection you make will arc due to difference in voltage. spark+hydrogen gas cloud+plastic container filled with lead and acid= 50lb acid bomb in your face.

 

[imported_LoKe]

Originally posted by: Baked
Note to self: Never jump start anybody's car again unless car's driven by hot single female.

:thumbsup: