Flat battery assistance

Car won't start?Get jump start help.

Clicking when you turn the key, slow cranking or dim dashboard lights can all be signs of a flat car battery.

Send us your location and vehicle details and request roadside assistance through CarResQ.

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  • Tell us where the car is
  • Flat and dead battery help

Is it the battery?

Look for these common signs.

A car that will not start does not always have a flat battery, but these symptoms can indicate that the battery does not have enough power to start the engine.

Clicking when starting

You turn the key or press the start button and hear clicking, but the engine does not turn over.

Slow engine cranking

The engine tries to turn over but sounds noticeably slower or weaker than normal.

Dim dashboard lights

Dashboard, interior or exterior lights may appear unusually dim because the battery voltage is low.

Electrics become weak

Lights, radio or other electrical equipment may become weak or switch off when you try to start the engine.

Quick battery check

Try your headlights before starting.

Switch the headlights on. If they look weak and become much dimmer when you try to start the engine, the battery may not have enough charge.

It might not be the battery

Starter motor, alternator, wiring, fuel and other faults can also stop a vehicle from starting. If that is the case, CarResQ can help diagnose and repair the problem.

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12V

What does a jump start do?

It provides the extra power needed to start the engine.

Your starter motor needs a large amount of electrical power. A weak battery may still power lights and other equipment but not have enough power to turn the engine.

A jump start supplies additional electrical power so the engine can start. It does not repair a worn or faulty battery.

Need assistance?

What happens next?

Submit a few basic details and we can get the information needed to help with your vehicle.

  1. 01

    Tell us where you are

    Enter your location, phone number and vehicle registration.

  2. 02

    Your request is reviewed

    Your request can be reviewed so the correct roadside help can be arranged.

  3. 03

    Get the problem sorted

    The battery problem can be assessed and a jump start can be attempted. If the vehicle has another fault, CarResQ can also help with repairs.

    View car repair service

Battery keeps going flat?

Repeated jump starts are not a long-term fix.

If your battery goes flat again shortly after being jump started, there may be a fault that needs checking.

Have the equipment?

How to jump start a car

Always check the vehicle handbook first. Your car may have dedicated jump-start points or a specific procedure.

Do not attempt to jump start a damaged, leaking or frozen battery. Hybrids, electric vehicles and some modern cars can require different procedures. If you are unsure, request professional help instead.

Option 1

Using a battery booster

  1. 1
    Switch the vehicle and battery booster off.
  2. 2
    Connect the red clamp to the vehicle's positive (+) jump point or terminal.
  3. 3
    Connect the black clamp to the recommended earth or chassis point shown in your vehicle handbook.
  4. 4
    Switch the booster on and attempt to start the vehicle.
  5. 5
    Once the engine is running, switch off the booster and remove it according to its manufacturer's instructions.

Option 2

Using jump leads

  1. 1
    Switch both vehicles off and make sure the vehicles are not touching.
  2. 2
    Connect the red lead to the positive (+) terminal or jump point of the flat vehicle.
  3. 3
    Connect the other red end to the positive (+) terminal of the assisting battery.
  4. 4
    Connect the black lead to the negative (−) terminal of the assisting battery.
  5. 5
    Connect the final black clamp to the recommended earth or chassis point on the vehicle with the flat battery.
  6. 6
    Start the assisting vehicle, then attempt to start the vehicle with the flat battery.
  7. 7
    Once running, disconnect the leads in reverse order while following the vehicle handbook.

Jump start didn't work?

The battery may not be the cause. CarResQ can help diagnose and repair starter motor, charging, electrical and other vehicle faults.

Get repair help

If you cannot identify the correct battery terminals, jump points or earth point, do not guess. Check the vehicle handbook or request assistance.

Common questions

Car jump start FAQs

Quick answers to common flat battery questions.

How do I know if my car battery is flat?

Common signs include clicking when you turn the key, slow engine cranking, dim dashboard lights or the engine not turning over at all.

Will a jump start fix my battery?

A jump start may get the car running again if the battery is discharged, but it will not repair a worn or faulty battery.

What if my car does not start after a jump?

The problem may not be the battery. A starter motor, alternator, wiring, fuel system or another fault could be responsible. CarResQ can also help with vehicle repairs.

Can every car be jump started?

No. Some modern cars, hybrids and electric vehicles have specific procedures or dedicated jump points. Always check the vehicle handbook first.

Still not starting?

If a jump start does not solve the problem, your car may need further diagnosis or repair. CarResQ can help find and fix the fault.

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Still stuck?

Get your car moving again.

Need a jump start? Send us your details now. If the problem is something else, CarResQ can also help diagnose and repair your vehicle.

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