Question for mechanics/technicians...

[ironglow]

  A couple years ago, my grandson in an effort to be helpful..jump started a friend's car with his Chev Cobalt. It costed him a computer replacement.
   Is there a "safe" way to jump start another vehicle, while protecting your own ?

[mechanic]

Within reason, yes.  Just be sure both positive cables are connected, and then connect the grounds to something metal under the hood, (to keep sparks from the battery.)  The only was I can see to "blow" a computer is to cross the leads.  You do essentially the same thing if you connect a battery charger to the battery while it is connected to the car.

I truly don't see how he got a computer, unless something was crossed, or he had a problem already.

[ironglow]

  Thanks Mechanic;
  I really can't say how he did it, not having been there..he may have goofed somewhere else. So, I guess the key is to not ground on the battery..whether jumping or charging..right ?
 Should any of the battery clamps be removed ?

[mechanic]

Most of the time you will need one vehicle running in order to jump the other.  Just make sure of polarity and ground to the frame.

[ironglow]

Thanks, Mechanic..  One thing great about GBO; if there is something we are a bit unsure of in most any field, we have an "army" of friends here, ready to provide information..

[R.W.Dale]

look at these because they have a built in surge protector

https://www.buysmartcables.com/ver4/index.asp

[RB1235]

I have had a 4 wheeler to reverse polarity in a very low battery situation when starting. Same can happen to a car. If the one getting jumped reverses polarity, that is the same as crossing your wires when jumping. It doesn't happen all the time, but is a potential risk. The other guys battery can already be in that shape. Or trying to crank to soon with your juice going to his battery can make it happen as well.