Can You Jump-Start a Generator Battery?

After long periods of storage or disuse, your generator’s battery may be weak. If you notice reduced cranking power or you’re having trouble getting the generator’s engine to catch, the battery may be dead or dying. If you determine your battery is weak, can you jump-start a generator battery like you would a car battery? Read this blog from Seidel Electric to find out.

Understanding What Types of Generators Can Be Jump-Started

You may be able to jump-start your generator’s battery using a car battery in an emergency situation. However, it’s crucial to know how to do this properly, and to start by confirming that the process will work for the type of generator you have. Only certain generator batteries can be jump-started:

• Lead-Acid Batteries – Lead-acid generator batteries are rechargeable energy storage devices that use lead plates and sulfuric acid to provide backup power. They deliver high surge currents and are reliable and affordable.
• AGM Batteries – Absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries are sealed, maintenance-free lead-acid generator batteries. They use fiberglass mats to absorb electrolytes rather than a free-flowing liquid. They offer superior vibration resistance, faster charging, and high-power cranking, making them more reliable in extreme temperatures.

A lithium generator battery should not be jump-started like the batteries listed above, as the process could cause serious damage to the battery cells, causing it to overheat or fail completely. High-quality lithium batteries are incredibly durable, however, and typically don’t need to be jump-started. Some even have an emergency start feature that can get your generator up and running even if the battery is weak or dead.

How to Jump-Start a Generator: Your Step-by-Step Generator Battery Jump-Start Guide

Proper generator maintenance can prevent dead batteries; however, if you haven’t used your generator in a while, the battery may still die. Jump-starting it can start the generator in an emergency or other situation in which it just isn’t possible to go out and buy a new battery.  However, doing it too frequently could damage or drain your vehicle’s battery. To safely jump-start the battery, follow this step-by-step guide:

• Gather up the tools you need, which include safety goggles, insulated gloves, jumper cables, and a car battery.
• Connect one red clamp on your jumper cable to the positive terminal on your car battery, and the other to the positive terminal on your generator’s battery.
• Attach the black clamp to the negative terminal on your car battery and the other end to the metal frame of the generator.
• Start the car and let the engine run for five minutes or so.
• Check your generator to see if it starts up, waiting a few minutes between each attempt.
• Once it has started, remove the black clamp from the generator and the car battery first, then remove the red clamp from the generator and the car battery.

Safe Generator Jump-Starting Tips and Precautions

As with jump-starting a car, it’s important to practice caution and follow safety standards before trying to jump-start a generator battery. Mistakes can cause injury, damage the battery or generator, or increase the risk of a fire, electrical shock, or other hazard. Follow these tips to safely jump-start a generator battery:

• Wear eye protection, such as safety goggles, as well as insulated gloves.
• Connect the clamps securely to each battery to prevent dangerous sparks.
• Don’t charge the generator’s battery for more than five minutes.

Alternative Options to Jump-Starting a Generator Battery

If you have a lithium battery or just don’t have the tools needed to jump-start your generator’s battery, there are some alternative options. Charge the battery with an approved charger, or use the generator’s pull cord to start the generator quickly. You can also use a NOCO or other battery booster to charge or jump-start the battery.

Why Choose Seidel Electric for Help With Generator Starter Issues

Seidel Electric is the #1 Generac dealer in the tri-state area. We are a family-owned and operated electrical company with a staff of skilled, knowledgeable electricians, electrical contractors, and generator experts. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and offer fast response times to generator emergencies in Blairstown, NJ, and the tri-state area.

Call Seidel Electric Today

If your generator won’t start or you’re in need of authorized warranty repairs or service, call us now or reach out to us online to make an appointment. We’ll determine why your generator won’t start and find a fast, effective solution.

FAQs About Jump-Starting a Generator

How often should I charge my Generac generator‘s battery?

Your generator’s manual offers specific guidelines for charging the battery based on the model you have. In general, we recommend that you charge the battery in a portable Generac generator for at least 12 hours every month. A GB Power Station should be charged every three months or when the display reads 20% or less. Do not leave batteries on chargers for a long period of time, as this can cause battery damage, overheating, or a fire.

What should I do if my generator’s battery is completely dead?

First use a battery charger to charge the battery, if possible. If you don’t have time, try to pull-start the engine manually to force a recoil start. This allows the generator to run and charge the battery. If this doesn’t work or if you don’t have time, you can use jumper cables to jump-start the generator’s battery using your vehicle battery, or use a NOCO portable battery charger to charge the battery quickly. If the generator still won’t start, call us for generator repair.

Can I use a car battery to jump-start my Generac generator?

Yes, but this should only be done in an emergency situation in which you are unable to safely charge the battery, test the battery at an auto shop, and/or replace it with a new battery. It can deplete or damage your vehicle’s battery if it is done too frequently.

Is there any way to prevent a dead generator battery?

Yes! A battery tender or battery conditioner can maintain the charge on your generator’s battery when the generator won’t be in use for long periods of time. It prolongs the battery lifespan and ensures your generator’s battery is ready to use when you need it in an emergency.