Troubleshooting / FAQs
Q: What should I do if the Greatway Jump Start will not hold a charge?
A: Load test the battery. Charge battery 24 hours before load testing. Connect a load tester (available at your local auto parts store) to the Greatway Jump Start clamps to check battery amperage. Depending on the model of load tester, your load testing procedure may vary. A generic load test would bring the voltage down to 9.0 volts and result in an amp reading of 70 amps for 6 seconds. Repeat this load test every 10 minutes for a total of three tests. If the amperage has dropped below 50 amps on the last test, suspect a bad or weak battery.
Q: What is the ideal use for the Greatway Jump Start?
A: The Greatway Jump Start performs strongly when a vehicle¡¯s battery needs an extra boost because a light or radio was left on, or when a vehicle has been sitting for a long period of time. The Greatway Jump Start will start vehicles without any other batteries present, but the primary use is for an extra boost.
Q: Will the Greatway Jump Start start every vehicle?
A: No. In addition to a dead battery, a car may have other mechanical problems that would prevent the Greatway Jump Start from starting the vehicle.
Q: How often should I recharge the Greatway Jump Start?
A: To maximize battery life, charging after every use is recommended. The Greatway Jump Start should not be left in a discharged state. The battery in the Greatway Jump Start has no memory problems and should not be treated as a rechargeable tool (cordless drills, camcorders, etc.).
Q: How many jump starts can I get from the Greatway Jump Start before recharging?
A: A large number of factors affect this answer, including the following: the length of time for each jump start, the charge level of the original battery, the length of time between jump starts, the temperature of the vehicles being jump started (winter cold makes for difficult starting), the size of the engines (4-cycl, 6-cycl, 8-cycl, etc.), the mechanical condition of the engine and starter, and more. These factors must all be weighed on an individual basis before an accurate answer can be given. It¡¯s feasible to get 10-30 starts (individual¡¯s results will differ) from a single charge, but this violates the rule of immediate charging after every use.