Starting and running a semi truck isn’t the most difficult of task as long as everything is working properly. When things start going bad, it’s good to have some some knowledge about how to troubleshoot your truck and get it back running . If you don’t follow the correct procedure when jumpstarting your semi truck, you can easily damage your engine, which will lead to much more money spent than if you had just done it correctly in the first place. Follow these dos and don’ts to successfully jumpstart your semi truck, without putting yourself or your truck in danger.
Have The Right Tools for a Jumpstart
Before you even think about jumpstarting a semi truck, you need to make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need jumper cables, a battery charger, fire extinguisher, and a set of wrenches. Plus, it’s always helpful to have a friend nearby to help out. A volt meter is also a good tool to have to see if your battery does in fact have power.
Make Sure A Jumpstart Will Solve Your Problem
Many truckers assume that if their engine won’t turn over, their only option is to jumpstart it. However, this isn’t always the case. There are a few things you should check before resorting to jumpstarting your engine. First, make sure the battery connections are secure and there is no corrosion. If the terminals are corroded, you won’t be able to get a good connection for the jumper cables. Next, check the fuses. A blown fuse could be the reason your engine won’t start. Finally, check the starter relay. If it’s defective, it may need to be replaced. If you’ve checked all of these things and your engine still won’t start, then you can go ahead and try to jumpstart it.
Use The Right Jumper Cables
It’s important to use the right gauge cables when jumpstarting a semi truck. If the cables are too small, they won’t be able to handle the amount of current needed to start the truck. If they’re too big, they could damage the truck’s electrical system. Plus, you need to make sure the cables are long enough to reach from the battery to the starter.
Common Jumper Cable Problems
If you’re having trouble jumpstarting your truck, it could be due to a number of faults in the cables. Check for these common faults before you call a tow truck:
- Make sure the battery terminals are clean. Dirty terminals can prevent the flow of electricity.
- Check that the red positive cable is securely connected to the positive terminal on the battery.
- Check that the black negative cable is securely connected to the negative terminal on the battery.
- Make sure that both ends of each cable are free of fraying or other damage.
- If you’re using jumper cables, make sure they are long enough to reach from one battery to the other without coming into contact with any metal surfaces.
Need Help Jumpstarting Your Semi Truck? Call (443) 790-8887 Today!
If you’re in need a jumpstart for your semi truck or roadside assistance, look no further than A1 Emergency Roadside Service. We can come to your location and perform repairs quickly and efficiently. Our fleet is ready for service 24 hours a day and we offer a wide range of repairs from bodywork to exhaust systems. Contact us today for more information.
