Painted metal is still a conductor. I've jumped it like that before and it worked. Jump starter just needed to stay on longer being battery was so worn down.
Idk why manufactures say to do this. Its really something that is out dated and overly cautious. Especially with a jump pack where there is little chance of spark if you dont have the box on.
Thank you so much for this very helpful, user-friendly how-to video!. Today is the 2nd time in 3 years that I have used my Cen-Tech 750 recharger. The first time, I was stranded at the APEX Dunes in LV. My RV engine was causing all kinds of issues (including draining my battery.) While waiting for a mobile mechanic, my son took me shopping for a batty recharger. that recharger was a fraction of the cost of paying for a jump start. Today, up in the PNW, my cars' battery died. But I won't need to call for help🙂
I have this jump starter, and the only way it works is connecting directly to battery. I've never had much success jumping anything when I connect to a metal part.
Thank you. My neighbors left this unit downstairs with an almost new free sign. I picked it up. Charging it now. Just wanted a quick tutorial on how to use it. Thanks yo
Just bought this little guy a few hours ago from harbor freight. Ive read the reviews and although ive seen more positive than negative, the negative reviews are driving me crazy. Especially the ones that say the device either doesnt hold a charge or doesn’t work at all. My car battery has died on me 4 times in the last 2.5 weeks. I’m praying 🙏🏿 this thing works tomorrow
I picked one up, open box for a good deal. I use a 100 watt solar panel and a charge controller to charge it and use it as a power source while camping to run a few lights and charge phones.
Thanks Roger! I try to get something for everyone up here... do-it-yourselfers, musicians, some weird stuff, etc. Hey man I hope you're enjoying the Zoom. I've spent hundreds of hours in front of that thing over the years. Hope you get as much use out of it as I've had.
Steve THANK YOU so much for this helpful video. I stupidly left my key on overnight with my motorcycle, so was considering this unit after Harbor Freight recommended for a Jump Start My concern was connecting my negative.... with a lot of plastic and other materials was just not sure where to clip the black. I will go with your Negative suggestion. As a non-mechanical type, I feel much more comfortable now that I've seen you work it.
I have this little 750 amp for a couple years now and it's still going strong like the day I bought it 🙂👍 .... but definitely hook the negative clamp to an UNpainted part of the metal if you can find a spot ... however, there was an elderly couple who needed a jump start in the middle of nowhere here in Wisconsin and I could not find an unpainted spot for the negative clamp -- so I hooked it up the same way you just did, I didn't want to ruin my unit but I needed to get them going they were pulling a fifth wheel camper and by golly it started them right up. But generally it'll work if it isn't painted metal 👍👍 .... I've noticed Harbor Freight now has the 900 amp for the same price as the 750. They are flying off the shelves. Viking is also a good brand and a little stronger.
I my case it was the opposite. When I attached to the battery, my car didn't start. But when I tried to attach the black clamp to a non moving part it started right away.
I'm the same age as you are in this video, and I've always been told to hook the cables up to the terminals, not ground one to a piece of metal. Some guys do that, but I never do.
I bought one of these years ago and it works. But I have learned that you need to allow the 5 minutes before you try to start the car for the most reliable starting.
I had the same issue with the Centech, it took 3 tries and about 30 minutes of letting it sit while connected to start my Mazda 3. Just fyi the reason you arent supposed to connect to the negative terminal is it can spark and ignite the hydrogen gas that dead batteries make, which can cause the battery to explode. Probably a slim chance of it happening but it can happen. Better off scraping a bit of paint off from something metal under the hood.
Thank god for u tube I just bought same thing but didnt realize that u must wait at least 5 mins before u turn engine over. Good content bud kudos hope u tube does u good😁👍
Yeah, it's not the greatest, but it works. I would've suggested you buy this one: th-cam.com/video/yBDvy8Jxmj4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=FLp9vldduVteyxxk ...cheaper and works better.
Does red charge light get green when charged or do I go by the 4 bars of lights on round thing only? Thanks, directions that came with it are a little confusing.
Yep. The dial is used to jump start a vehicle. 5 minutes should do it. The jump start instructions are right in the beginning of the video. If you wanted to turn on the work light and just hit the work light button, nothing will happen. You have to hit the power button and then the work light button and then the light will turn on. The power button also turns on the power indicator light so you can see how much of a charge the jump starter is holding.
I was looking for an explanation of the "maintain" indicator light. It came on an hour after plugging it in for the first time for the initial 12hr charge. Would you know what this means ❓ Thx in advance‼️
When you hit the power button it'll light up red yellow green. Green means you have a full charge. When you plug it in to a wall outlet, there's a little red light. If that goes on, it needs to charge. If the maintain light goes on, it's good. I recently bought a new one that I think is better: th-cam.com/video/yBDvy8Jxmj4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=uygkmbbHRxSpzsS7
That button isn't to use the jump starter. It does 2 things... 1- if you want to turn on the work light, you have to hit that button first 2- you hit that button to see how much of a charge is left in the jump starter. It turns on the battery level indicator.
New watcher here; subscribed and thumbs up for you. Has anyone used the air compressor on this unit? I am thinking of having one of these for those cold days when you just need a few pounds of air in the car tires. Thanks!
@willpage79, I've heard it's more chance of burning up your alternator but I've jumped people like that for years and never happened but I've decided to never take the chance again and always put negative on metal. Mine is a 2000 Toyota Camry there is a little more metal but on newer cars I know it's harder to find metal. So much plastic.
Unpainted metal. When it doesnt work injust just hook it up to the negative. If it blows they are not that expensive. Assuming I don't blow my computer :)
Mine stopped charging shortly after buying, Harbor Freight (Longview, WA) said I was out of luck unless I bought the extended warrantee. Piece of junk, wasted money.
Battery was old and shot. Had to get a new one. On another note, just bought this: th-cam.com/video/yBDvy8Jxmj4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=VfX0S11T6329ZdRL Better than the Cen Tech
It would have worked the first time if you connected your Negative clip to a non-painted metal. 😁
I was going to say the same thing!
😆😆
Motor mount is a good location if you can access it
Painted metal is still a conductor. I've jumped it like that before and it worked. Jump starter just needed to stay on longer being battery was so worn down.
I was just thinking the same thing
Yall stuck? Lls
I know i'm years late but thanks to your video(especially connecting the clamps to the ACTUAL battery🔋) it worked!! Thank you!
Glad it helped.
Done! Wow - your little tip about attaching the black clamp to the actual battery... worked!
Me to
Idk why manufactures say to do this. Its really something that is out dated and overly cautious. Especially with a jump pack where there is little chance of spark if you dont have the box on.
Thank you so much for this very helpful, user-friendly how-to video!. Today is the 2nd time in 3 years that I have used my Cen-Tech 750 recharger. The first time, I was stranded at the APEX Dunes in LV. My RV engine was causing all kinds of issues (including draining my battery.) While waiting for a mobile mechanic, my son took me shopping for a batty recharger. that recharger was a fraction of the cost of paying for a jump start. Today, up in the PNW, my cars' battery died. But I won't need to call for help🙂
I always have one in the trunk with me. Stay safe.
I have this jump starter, and the only way it works is connecting directly to battery. I've never had much success jumping anything when I connect to a metal part.
I just purchased one of these jump starters from Harbor Freight. Your video was so helpful. It’s a 👍🏾 for me
Glad to help!
Would have helped clean corrosion off of battery positive post. Probrobly why battery died to start with
Thank you. My neighbors left this unit downstairs with an almost new free sign. I picked it up. Charging it now. Just wanted a quick tutorial on how to use it. Thanks yo
Just bought this little guy a few hours ago from harbor freight. Ive read the reviews and although ive seen more positive than negative, the negative reviews are driving me crazy. Especially the ones that say the device either doesnt hold a charge or doesn’t work at all. My car battery has died on me 4 times in the last 2.5 weeks. I’m praying 🙏🏿 this thing works tomorrow
I bought one the other day that was defective, exchanged it and charging the new one now
Hi. Did it work for you?
Maybe should buy a new car battery instead
You need to have the neg cable connected to a something that has bare metal.
Glad I watched this. I set for over an hr and it didn't work until I hooked the negative up to the negative on battery
I picked one up, open box for a good deal. I use a 100 watt solar panel and a charge controller to charge it and use it as a power source while camping to run a few lights and charge phones.
How long does it take to charge using the solar panel?
@@stevekonbass I want to know too
Me too
Probably 6hrs 😂
Just wanted to say that this just a cool channel. As I sit here looking at my Zoomr16 I bought because of you!
Thanks!!
Thanks Roger! I try to get something for everyone up here... do-it-yourselfers, musicians, some weird stuff, etc. Hey man I hope you're enjoying the Zoom. I've spent hundreds of hours in front of that thing over the years. Hope you get as much use out of it as I've had.
Steve THANK YOU so much for this helpful video. I stupidly left my key on overnight with my motorcycle, so was considering this unit after Harbor Freight recommended for a Jump Start My concern was connecting my negative.... with a lot of plastic and other materials was just not sure where to clip the black. I will go with your Negative suggestion. As a non-mechanical type, I feel much more comfortable now that I've seen you work it.
Glad no one stole it!
That was a very helpful demonstration. I had the same problem with the terminals. Thanks for making the video.
Glad it helped.
Look how dirty your positive is on your battery. It's covered in corrosion!
Thank you for the video. I just watched it use my charger and it worked. I appreciate it 👍
Glad it helped.
I have this little 750 amp for a couple years now and it's still going strong like the day I bought it 🙂👍
.... but definitely hook the negative clamp to an UNpainted part of the metal if you can find a spot ... however, there was an elderly couple who needed a jump start in the middle of nowhere here in Wisconsin and I could not find an unpainted spot for the negative clamp -- so I hooked it up the same way you just did, I didn't want to ruin my unit but I needed to get them going they were pulling a fifth wheel camper and by golly it started them right up. But generally it'll work if it isn't painted metal 👍👍
.... I've noticed Harbor Freight now has the 900 amp for the same price as the 750. They are flying off the shelves. Viking is also a good brand and a little stronger.
Oops 😅 I’m in love 😍 what a o 😊😊😊ouw😊😊opp😊p😊😊😊
❤❤❤❤❤lilul❤😊😊😊🎉p😂😂 p op pppoipopo😂😂our 😊ppuoip😊😅😊😊I 😢😂😂o🎉😂🎉o😂😂🎉😂😂❤😊😅😢😢
I my case it was the opposite. When I attached to the battery, my car didn't start. But when I tried to attach the black clamp to a non moving part it started right away.
I'm the same age as you are in this video, and I've always been told to hook the cables up to the terminals, not ground one to a piece of metal. Some guys do that, but I never do.
I bought one of these years ago and it works. But I have learned that you need to allow the 5 minutes before you try to start the car for the most reliable starting.
I had the same issue with the Centech, it took 3 tries and about 30 minutes of letting it sit while connected to start my Mazda 3. Just fyi the reason you arent supposed to connect to the negative terminal is it can spark and ignite the hydrogen gas that dead batteries make, which can cause the battery to explode. Probably a slim chance of it happening but it can happen. Better off scraping a bit of paint off from something metal under the hood.
Thank god for u tube I just bought same thing but didnt realize that u must wait at least 5 mins before u turn engine over. Good content bud kudos hope u tube does u good😁👍
Yeah, it's not the greatest, but it works. I would've suggested you buy this one: th-cam.com/video/yBDvy8Jxmj4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=FLp9vldduVteyxxk ...cheaper and works better.
This was a good presentation,that gave a correct example that worked over other incorrect instruction.
I just got one today, it looks really good, I’m like you hooking the ground to metal doesn’t work like the - battery post, thanks.
Welcome. Hope it was a good buy for you.
Good channel. Our Cen-Tech jumper does not work. Plugging it in, it never goes to charge. Only goes to maintain.
It charges then goes to maintain for me. No one ever addresses this part. It's done this since the day i bought it! Aggravating
Looks like you attached the negative to a painter piece of metal. Needs to be clean piece to ground to
I have this jump but to read the battery level is difficult because all light are on at the same time.
Is it still giving volts to the car battery is the battery light lights turn off after 5 minutes? And why are they turning off?
Does red charge light get green when charged or do I go by the 4 bars of lights on round thing only? Thanks, directions that came with it are a little confusing.
Go by the 4 bars. If it's to the green it's good. If it just goes to the yellow or red bars you need to charge it.
@@stevekonbass Thanks Steve.
Wait I thought you always hook the black clap up to the battery lol
I love your patience but your positive battery terminal had so much corrosion I just wanted to scream 😂 I thought that was the problem at first.
I plugged mine in for the first charge and the maintain light came on after about 2 minutes. It says you must charge for 12 hours before first use tho
The same thing happened to mine. How did you resolve the situation?
I just unplugged it cause it says not to over charge I haven't had to use it yet though so I'm not really sure if it'll work 🤷♂️
So you don’t turn the power button on, you just turn the dial on the on position and let it sit for 5-10 minutes??
Yep. The dial is used to jump start a vehicle. 5 minutes should do it. The jump start instructions are right in the beginning of the video. If you wanted to turn on the work light and just hit the work light button, nothing will happen. You have to hit the power button and then the work light button and then the light will turn on. The power button also turns on the power indicator light so you can see how much of a charge the jump starter is holding.
Very helpful! Thanks !
You bet!
I was looking for an explanation of the "maintain" indicator light. It came on an hour after plugging it in for the first time for the initial 12hr charge. Would you know what this means ❓
Thx in advance‼️
Maintain is good, means it's charged up. Check on it every few weeks to make sure it didn't lose it's charge.
I've used 2 times and now it won't charge at all, as soon as it's plugged in it says maintain.
❤😊❤ Thank you so much for you demo❤😊❤
My pleasure 😊
Dude, you've probably already heard this, but clean your terminals. That positive connection on your battery was most of your issue.
That's was an old battery past it's life. It was time for a new one.
How do I get the cigarette lighter outlet on the side? I can't figure out how to use it
Looks like it hinkley with ground issues....
the light that says full should turn green or stay yellow?
When you hit the power button it'll light up red yellow green. Green means you have a full charge. When you plug it in to a wall outlet, there's a little red light. If that goes on, it needs to charge. If the maintain light goes on, it's good. I recently bought a new one that I think is better: th-cam.com/video/yBDvy8Jxmj4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=uygkmbbHRxSpzsS7
Just purchased this why aren't the indicator lights working
The battery indicator lights should light up when you hit the power button. It tells you how much of a charge the jump starter has.
I appreciate your help.
Any time!
What if it says maintain not charge?
Maintain is good. It means that the jump starter has a full charge on it.
Did you use this right away?
I charged it first.
Bought mine today due 65
Why not connect to battery terminals?
That's how the manual tells you to do it. All jump starters tell you to do it that way to prevent a rare case of explosion.
Can I hook this up to inverter if i need a 120 outlet cuz I already own inverter?
Not sure.
Thank you!
You're welcome.
you turn it on but you forgot to push the starter button and leave it on
That button isn't to use the jump starter. It does 2 things... 1- if you want to turn on the work light, you have to hit that button first 2- you hit that button to see how much of a charge is left in the jump starter. It turns on the battery level indicator.
New watcher here; subscribed and thumbs up for you. Has anyone used the air compressor on this unit? I am thinking of having one of these for those cold days when you just need a few pounds of air in the car tires. Thanks!
This unit does not have that option.
come on man clearly you need to hook to both battery terminals
What's the worst that could happen if you keep connecting it to negative instead of bare metal?
In a rare case, the battery could explode. Never heard of it or seen it happen. But that's why the instructions say to do it that way.
@@stevekonbass ok thanks
@willpage79, I've heard it's more chance of burning up your alternator but I've jumped people like that for years and never happened but I've decided to never take the chance again and always put negative on metal. Mine is a 2000 Toyota Camry there is a little more metal but on newer cars I know it's harder to find metal. So much plastic.
Unpainted metal. When it doesnt work injust just hook it up to the negative. If it blows they are not that expensive. Assuming I don't blow my computer :)
Mine stopped charging shortly after buying, Harbor Freight (Longview, WA) said I was out of luck unless I bought the extended warrantee. Piece of junk, wasted money.
Seriously it comes with bad instructions it never works unless you do direct never ground it's bs
Clean your positive post too.
You need to clean the positive terminal, you have corrosion
Battery was old and shot. Had to get a new one. On another note, just bought this: th-cam.com/video/yBDvy8Jxmj4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=VfX0S11T6329ZdRL
Better than the Cen Tech
Agree painted medal will not work
your ground wasnt an actual ground.
I have one a this and don't work that way u do a first work a that way u do after but I like
Killed my sister batter watched this and now I don't think I need to tell her I did it , thank u
This thing is garbage
Ok so I have to hook it up and wait at least 5 minutes to start the car?? 100% complete failure. Definately will pass
This is a trickle jump starter. It's not a lightning start. It's a battery pack, not a jump box
Very helpful. Thank you!
You're welcome!