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portable battery jump pack - confused by instructions


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Illinois Tom
New User

Nov 23, 2009, 9:20 PM

Post #1 of 4 (2263 views)
portable battery jump pack - confused by instructions Sign In

Hi, first post, looks like a cool site.

I just bought a portable battery jump pack (Super Start, 1000 peak amps) and I called the manufacturer's consumer information line as well as the store and they didn't seem to know much more than was on the instruction sheet.

It says "don't attempt to jumpstart a frozen battery". Aren't all car batteries in the winter up in the northern climes regularly frozen? Does this mean the portable pack is only to be used when above 32 degrees? What would happen if it was used below 32? Do I have to take the battery inside to warm up? Is there much risk in jump starting in general as far as an explosion?

Also, along those lines, the instructions don't address whether or not the pack itself will work when IT is below 32 degrees, such as would be the case if it's carried in the trunk during the winter.

Thanks,
Tom


(This post was edited by Illinois Tom on Nov 23, 2009, 9:24 PM)


dmac0923
Enthusiast

Nov 23, 2009, 10:37 PM

Post #2 of 4 (2254 views)
Re: portable battery jump pack - confused by instructions Sign In

no they mean what it says.....an improperly maintained battery or bad battery can freeze if there isnt the proper mixture of water and acid.

dont jump a bad battery
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2002 Ford Ranger
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Nov 24, 2009, 3:48 AM

Post #3 of 4 (2246 views)
Re: portable battery jump pack - confused by instructions Sign In

Yes, as Dmac0923 stated, Water will freeze but charged battery acid will not so if a battery ever gets to the point where it actually freezes, then it has to be replaced.



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DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Nov 24, 2009, 5:37 AM

Post #4 of 4 (2240 views)
Re: portable battery jump pack - confused by instructions Sign In

What the guys are saying is that battery acid turns into water as a battery becomes discharged and back into non freezing acid as it is recharged.
A brand new battery left in a low state of charge (someone left their lights on, overnight) will freeze if left out in temperatures bellow the freezing point.
Once a battery becomes frozen; it is likely junk; the insulating material between the positive and negative electrical plates will become crushed due to the expanding ice. This could cause the plates to short to each other; being that this frozen battery has little or no voltage (dead); there’s no safety concerns. But if you attempt to charge or jump this frozen battery, you are now supplying a possibly shorted battery with voltage. Supplying voltage to something that has a dead short between positive and negative; will give you lots of sparks and yea, possibly explode the jumper battery pack.

Dan.

Canadian "EH"






(This post was edited by DanD on Nov 24, 2009, 5:43 AM)






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