Jump Starter Power Station Teardown
Tools
These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.
Background and Identification
A jump start is a way to revitalize vehicles with discharged or drained batteries. A jump starter is a portable battery device that facilitates the jump starting of vehicles. Typically, vehicles are jump started with jumper cables that connect the dead battery to the battery of another vehicle. Then, the external supply of electricity recharges the dead battery and gives it enough power to crank the engine. Once the vehicle is started, the normal charging mechanism will allow the battery to recharge and the auxiliary source can be removed. Jump starters operate like jumper cables, but do not require another vehicle for a power source, since they are equipped with a battery.
Available in various sizes (rated in Amps), most jump starters use lead-acid batteries and claim 300-1700 amp ratings. The main downside of lead-acid jump starters is weight, size , and battery chemistry. Their large size and weight make them less convenient when transporting between vehicles. Moreover, lead-acid batteries may also self-discharge if they develop sulfation, which permanently lowers battery capacity.
In 2013, jump starters using lithium-ion batteries, specifically high discharge lithium polymer or lithium-ion, emerged in the market. Lithium jump starters are extremely compact and lightweight, almost 90% smaller than lead-acid equivalents.