How to Jump Start Subaru Forester: A Comprehensive Guide for Subaru Owners
What To Know
- Connect the other end of the negative (black) cable to a metal grounding point on the dead car’s frame.
- Start by disconnecting the negative (black) cable from the grounding point on the Forester, then the negative (black) cable from the donor car.
- If your Forester still won’t start after a jump start, it’s possible that the battery is completely dead or that there is another issue with the car’s electrical system.
So, you’re facing the dreaded “click, click, click” sound when you turn your Subaru Forester’s key. Your battery is dead, and you’re stuck. Don’t worry, jumping your Forester’s battery is a relatively simple process that can get you back on the road in no time. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step breakdown of how to jump start your Subaru Forester safely and effectively.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- A working car with a good battery. The donor car needs to have a battery with sufficient power to jump-start your Forester.
- Jumper cables. These are essential for connecting the batteries of the two cars. Make sure you have a set of heavy-duty jumper cables in good condition.
- A pair of work gloves. Wearing gloves will protect your hands from potential electrical shocks.
- Safety glasses. These will protect your eyes from any potential battery acid splashes.
Step 1: Parking and Safety Precautions
- Park both cars on a level surface. This will ensure that the batteries are at the same level, allowing for a smooth flow of electricity.
- Engage the parking brake on both vehicles. This will prevent the cars from rolling while you’re working.
- Turn off all electrical accessories in both cars. This includes the headlights, radio, and air conditioning.
- Ensure the vehicles are not touching. Maintain a safe distance between the cars to prevent any accidental contact.
Step 2: Locate the Batteries
- Locate the battery in your Subaru Forester. The battery is typically located in the engine compartment, often on the passenger side. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location.
- Locate the battery in the donor car. The battery in the donor car is also usually located in the engine compartment.
Step 3: Connect the Jumper Cables
- Connect the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery. The positive terminal is usually marked with a “+” symbol.
- Connect the other end of the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
- Connect the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal of the good battery. The negative terminal is usually marked with a “-” symbol.
- Connect the other end of the negative (black) cable to a metal grounding point on the dead car’s frame. This point should be away from the battery, ideally on the engine block or a metal chassis component.
Step 4: Start the Donor Car
- Start the donor car and let it run for a few minutes. This will ensure that the battery has enough charge to jump-start the Forester.
Step 5: Start the Subaru Forester
- Try starting your Subaru Forester. It should start right away. If it doesn’t, try again after letting the donor car run for a few more minutes.
- Once the Forester starts, let it run for at least 10-15 minutes. This will allow the battery to recharge slightly.
Step 6: Disconnect the Jumper Cables
- Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order of how you connected them. Start by disconnecting the negative (black) cable from the grounding point on the Forester, then the negative (black) cable from the donor car. Next, disconnect the positive (red) cable from the donor car’s battery, and finally, disconnect the positive (red) cable from the Forester’s battery.
Step 7: Check the Battery
- After disconnecting the cables, check the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion. If you see any corrosion, clean it with a wire brush and baking soda solution.
- Check the battery fluid levels. If the fluid levels are low, add distilled water to the battery cells.
Driving Your Forester After a Jump Start
- After jump starting your Subaru Forester, drive it for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the alternator to recharge the battery.
- Avoid using accessories that draw a lot of power, like the headlights or air conditioning, for the first few hours.
What to Do If Your Subaru Forester Won’t Start After a Jump Start
If your Forester still won’t start after a jump start, it’s possible that the battery is completely dead or that there is another issue with the car’s electrical system. In this case, you should contact a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.
Preventing Future Battery Problems
- Make sure your battery is properly maintained. This includes checking the fluid levels regularly and cleaning the terminals.
- Avoid leaving your car’s lights on for long periods. This can quickly drain the battery.
- Replace your battery when it’s nearing the end of its life. Most car batteries have a lifespan of 3-5 years.
The Final Word: Jump Starting Your Forester with Confidence
Jump starting your Subaru Forester is a simple and effective way to get back on the road if your battery dies. By following these steps carefully and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can handle this situation with confidence. Remember to maintain your battery and address any underlying electrical issues to prevent future battery problems.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: How long can I jump start my Subaru Forester?
A: The amount of time you can jump start your Forester depends on the donor car’s battery. Generally, it’s best to keep the jump start session under 15 minutes to avoid overworking the donor car’s battery.
Q: Can I jump start my Subaru Forester with a different type of car?
A: Yes, you can jump start a Subaru Forester with a different type of car. As long as the donor car has a working battery and you use the correct jumper cables, the process should work fine.
Q: What if my Subaru Forester‘s battery is completely dead?
A: If your Forester’s battery is completely dead, you may need to jump start it for a longer period of time or even use a battery charger to fully recharge it.
Q: Can I jump start my Subaru Forester with a portable jump starter?
A: Yes, you can use a portable jump starter to jump start your Forester. Portable jump starters are convenient and can be used in situations where you don’t have another car to jump start from.
Q: What should I do if my Subaru Forester won‘t start after a jump start?
A: If your Forester still won’t start after a jump start, it’s possible that the battery is completely dead or that there is another issue with the car’s electrical system. In this case, you should contact a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.