How to Jump-Start a Car With a Screwdriver

The phrase “jump-start with a screwdriver” can refer to two very different things: trying to jump a dead car battery, or using a metal tool to bridge electrical contacts at a starter. Neither is a safe substitute for proper jump-start equipment. A screwdriver can cause a short circuit, intense heat, sparks, burns, battery damage, or a fire; it may also damage vehicle electronics.

If your car will not start, first identify whether the battery is actually the problem. A jump-start uses a charged battery or purpose-built jump pack to provide electrical power. A screwdriver stores and supplies no such power. Follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual, especially for hybrid or electric vehicles, which may have specific procedures and high-voltage components.

What You’ll Need

A portable jump starter rated for your vehicle, or a second vehicle and jumper cables
The owner’s manual for the vehicle being started, and the donor vehicle if using cables
Eye protection and gloves, if available
A safe, well-ventilated place away from traffic, flames, and smoking materials

Do not use a screwdriver as a jumper, and do not attempt a jump if the battery is cracked, leaking, swollen, frozen, unusually hot, or giving off a strong sulfur-like odor. Keep metal tools and jewelry away from battery terminals. If the battery or cables are damaged, call roadside assistance or a qualified mechanic.

Step-by-Step

Make the area safe. Park on firm, level ground, shift to Park (or neutral for a manual transmission), set the parking brake, and switch off both vehicles. Keep people clear of moving traffic. Do not jump a vehicle in an enclosed garage where exhaust can collect.
Check the vehicle instructions. Find the jump-start section in the owner’s manual. Some cars have designated positive and ground connection points rather than direct access to the battery. Follow those points and any restrictions. Never work around orange high-voltage cables on a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Inspect the battery. Do not proceed if it looks damaged, is leaking, frozen, or hot. If the terminals are heavily corroded or a cable is loose or damaged, stop and get help rather than improvising with a tool.
Position the equipment. For jumper cables, place the donor vehicle close enough for the cables to reach without the vehicles touching. Turn off both ignitions and all accessories. For a jump pack, make sure it is switched off before attaching its clamps, unless its manual specifies otherwise.
Attach the positive clamps. Connect the red clamp to the disabled vehicle’s marked positive (+) terminal or designated positive point. Connect the other red clamp to the donor battery’s positive (+) terminal, or follow the jump pack’s instructions.
Attach the negative connection. With jumper cables, connect the black clamp to the donor battery’s negative (–) terminal. Connect the remaining black clamp to the vehicle maker’s designated ground point on the disabled car, usually an unpainted, solid metal point away from its battery. For a jump pack, use the ground point specified in its instructions. Do not let clamps touch each other.
Start the power source correctly. If using another vehicle, start it and let it run as directed in the manuals. If using a jump pack, switch it on as instructed. Do not rev engines aggressively or leave the setup unattended.
Try the disabled car. Attempt to start it for only a few seconds at a time, with a pause between attempts. If it does not start after a small number of tries, stop. Repeated cranking can overheat the starter and cables; investigate the cause or call for assistance.
Disconnect in reverse order. Once the car starts, remove clamps without letting them touch metal or each other. With cables, remove the disabled car’s ground clamp first, then the donor negative, donor positive, and disabled car positive. Follow the equipment manual if its sequence differs.
Let the vehicle run and get the battery checked. Follow the owner’s manual for what to do after a jump. A successful start does not prove the battery or charging system is healthy. If the car stalls, warning lights appear, or it will not restart, arrange a battery and charging-system inspection.

Common Mistakes

Bridging terminals with a screwdriver: A metal tool can connect positive and negative points, creating a dangerous short. It does not provide the controlled current or protection of proper equipment.
Shorting starter contacts: Touching a starter solenoid or its terminals with a screwdriver can cause sparks, sudden vehicle movement, burns, or damage. The starter circuit is not a safe way to bypass a dead battery or diagnose a fault.
Guessing the polarity: Reversed connections can damage electronics and cause dangerous arcing. Confirm the + and – markings and use the manual’s designated connection points.
Ignoring battery condition: A damaged, leaking, or frozen battery should not be jump-started. A jump can make an unsafe condition worse.
Using the wrong ground point or sequence: Follow the vehicle and equipment instructions. Do not assume every model uses the same connection points or procedure.
Cranking repeatedly: Long or repeated attempts can overheat components. Stop if a few brief tries fail and seek help.

Tips

Read the manual before an emergency; jump points and procedures vary by vehicle.
Keep a compatible, charged jump pack in the vehicle and check its condition according to its instructions.
Keep clamps separated and away from belts, fans, and other moving parts.
Do not jump-start a vehicle if you are unsure about the battery type, connection points, or equipment. Roadside assistance is safer than improvising.
If a jump works but the battery repeatedly goes flat, have the battery, alternator, and electrical system checked rather than relying on repeated boosts.

Troubleshooting

The engine does not turn over: Stop and recheck the manual’s connection points and clamp placement, but do not move clamps while the equipment is energized. Switch off the jump pack or donor vehicle before adjusting connections. If connections are correct and it still will not crank, the battery may be severely discharged, a cable may be faulty, or the starter may have a problem. Call for professional help.

You hear clicking: Clicking can accompany a weak battery, but it does not confirm that the battery is the only issue. Avoid repeated attempts; get the battery and starting system checked.

The engine cranks but will not start: A jump may not address the cause. Stop trying and consult roadside assistance or a mechanic, especially if warning lights are on or the vehicle behaves unusually.

You see sparks, smoke, or heat: Stop immediately. If safe, switch off the jump pack or donor vehicle without touching hot or damaged parts, move away, and call emergency services if there is fire. Do not continue or use a screwdriver to reposition a clamp.

The car starts, then dies or will not restart: The battery may not be holding a charge, or the charging system may not be working. Arrange an inspection; do not assume driving will fix the fault.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a screwdriver jump-start a car?

No. A screwdriver cannot supply the electrical power needed to start a car. Use a suitable jump pack or jumper cables and follow the owner’s manual.

Why do people say to jump a starter with a screwdriver?

They may mean bridging starter contacts to bypass part of a starting circuit. This is hazardous, can cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly, and is not a safe do-it-yourself jump-start method.

Can I use a screwdriver to clean battery terminals?

Do not scrape battery terminals with a metal screwdriver, particularly while connected. For corrosion or a loose connection, consult the owner’s manual or have a qualified technician service it safely.

What if I have no jump pack or cables?

Call roadside assistance, a service provider, or someone with compatible equipment. Do not improvise with household tools or connect wires directly to the battery.

Does a successful jump mean the battery is fixed?

No. It only means the vehicle started with help. A weak battery, charging-system fault, or another problem may remain, so repeated failure deserves an inspection.

Further reading: NHTSA. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.