Jump Starters......what do i need

[scoobster999]

Flat battery on my Alfa 147 diesel, problem is that it is on a slope and blocking in the other car. Battery for other car is at other end so jump leads unless stupid long will not reach.

Been browsing internet and both Halfords and Maplins have starters in stock so a short cab ride away and I can potentially resolve. However my experience of Maplins returns policy is pretty dire so don't want to risk spending £50 to find out it doesn't work. Their largest one in stock is 300AH, not sure if that's enough?

Halfords have a "dynamic jump starter" with a spec of vehicles up to 2L so assuming this will do the job, albeit not convinced.

Any experience of these, the Alfa is a 1.9JTDm, battery to be fair is old but until today hasn't let me down?

Thanks

Scoob.

[civicduty]

Is it proper flat? If not could you take the battery out of the second car move it closer to the Alfa and then use the jump leads. This will probably only work if the Alfa battery isn't completely fubar though.

[redtwin]

Put the good battery in the Alfa so you can move it. If it won't fit you can at least move it closer so the jump leads will work.

Significantly cheaper than buying a jump starter that may or may not work. You can then use the money saved on a new battery for the Alfa.

*damn* wasted time editing which means I was beaten to it.

[alangla]

I've got a Lidl device that looks very much like the Halfords dynamic jump starter - works a treat & will generally give a few starts off a single charge. I'd probably charge it after each one if possible. Mine is used for starting Citroen 1.9TD and 2.0HDi engines, so probably a similar load to your Alfa.

[scoobster999]

civicduty said:

Is it proper flat? If not could you take the battery out of the second car move it closer to the Alfa and then use the jump leads. This will probably only work if the Alfa battery isn't completelty fubar though.

Thanks, the battery isn't totally dead, lights up the dash etc, problem is that the other car needs half the front taking off to get the battery out which is a real pita....my fault it was sluggish yesterday driving to the shops, all of 500 yards, instead of taking it for a run i left it. Car hadn't been used for 2 weeks over Christmas so think the battery is failing now.

[Toaster Pilot]

Avoid Maplin - I bought a jump starter there and it wouldn't start a 1.5 petrol Almera, goon of a manager wouldn't take it back because it showed 12v across the terminals despite me pointing out his lack of fundamental understanding of electrical theory.

[alangla]

If you reckon this is going to be a one-off, have you thought about adding home start to your breakdown cover? AA/RAC patrols generally carry boosters or very long plug-in cables that plug into their van, so should be able to get it running. Might be cheaper than paying £60 for a booster.

[civicduty]

If you really dont't want to take the Cayman apart, though this depends on how fast you want to move the Alfa, could you buy a battery charger(normally cheaper than a power pack)(do you have a battery charger?)and an extension cable to get it to reach the car and charge it in situ.

[Toaster Pilot]

If the battery will come out of the Alfa without too much of a fight you could just buy a charger and charge the battery overnight

[AtticusFinch]

scoobster999 said:

Car hadn't been used for 2 weeks over Christmas so think the battery is failing now.

Why not just get a new battery. Even if it starts ok will you ever trust it?

[redtwin]

Call a taxi (or a family member/friend) and ask them to take you to Halfords or similar where you can purchase a new battery.

Don't spend money on a jump starter to use on a dead battery you will be changing anyway.

[civicduty]

Even a power pack won't be a quick fix..

Dynamic Jump Starter Product Description
The Dynamic Jump Starter is suitable for up to 2 litre petrol and diesel engines and for use on all types of gel, standard, maintenance free and wet batteries.

It has a 17 amp charging power with a sealed lead acid, which is non-spillable and maintenance free.

Initially charge for 12 hours before using and then after every use, do not let the charge fall into the red area of the voltmeter and charge the unit fully every 3 months.

[scoobster999]

in the end I have got both, new battery which is fitted and a starter to keep in the garage just in case!

Thanks to all

[mrmr96]

Can you not just get some longer jump leads? Costco had a good set recently which were long enough to jump the car in front from one parked behind.

[civicduty]

scoobster999 said:

in the end I have got both, new battery which is fitted and a starter to keep in the garage just in case!

Thanks to all

Don't forget to keep it charged!!