Can Jump Starting Another Vehicle Damage the 4Runner?

[BlueRunner428]

So my father's battery in his Suburban died, so I figured I would use my 4Runner and jump it. However then when my mother found out, she freaked and said do NOT do that, it can mess up the electronics and computers in the newer vehicles. After some Googling, I have found she is correct. Also I didn't use the proper technique I discovered, I hooked up the positive and negative on the 4Runner, then the negative to the engine block and the positive to the battery in the Suburban. I read though that you should always hook up both positives first. Did I run a serious risk of damaging my vehicle's electronics?

 

[rochmpr]

If you're an idiot, then possibly.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[Jeremy556]

Unless its got a short or you hookup cables backwards, it'll be just fine. The little lithium jump starter packs are way more versatile, can be used to self jump, and wouldn't be a big deal if it shorted out on something.

 

[rochmpr]

Unless its got a short or you hookup cables backwards, it'll be just fine. The little lithium jump starter packs are way more versatile, can be used to self jump, and wouldn't be a big deal if it shorted out on something.

Why to say it more politely [emoji16]

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[BlueRunner428]

Why to say it more politely [emoji16]

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

How do I know if I was an idiot or not?

 

[BlueRunner428]

Unless its got a short or you hookup cables backwards, it'll be just fine. The little lithium jump starter packs are way more versatile, can be used to self jump, and wouldn't be a big deal if it shorted out on something.

I didn't hook up the cables backwards, but how do I know if there was a short?

 

[rigtec]

I didn't hook up the cables backwards, but how do I know if there was a short?

If there was a short-circuit, you would know it by the instrument-cluster indicator lights! And if you connected the jumper-cables BACKWARDS ...you would've popped the Main 140A Alternator fuse [Real Trouble]; "you're fine!!"

~rig~

 

[BlueRunner428]

If there was a short-circuit, you would know it by the instrument-cluster indicator lights! And if you connected the jumper-cables BACKWARDS ...you would've popped the Main 140A Alternator fuse [Real Trouble]!!

~rig~

Well nothing came up on the instrument cluster and everything seems to be working correctly.

 

[rigtec]

Well nothing came up on the instrument cluster and everything seems to be working correctly.

Then, you're Good! BTW: I have jumped other trucks Lot-0-Times!

~rig~ Best!

 

[Lexington]

I carry this Auden 20,000mAh jump starter in my 4Runner. It has served me very well. The only flaw is the “Boost” button is very small and is almost invisible. I also find frequently I have to use the boots to jumps start a car. I guess it depends on how far down the battery has been drained. Audew Car Jump Starter Battery Pack 20000 MAh

 

[BlueRunner428]

I carry this Auden 20,000mAh jump starter in my 4Runner. It has served me very well. The only flaw is the “Boost” button is very small and is almost invisible. I also find frequently I have to use the boots to jumps start a car. I guess it depends on how far down the battery has been drained. Audew Car Jump Starter Battery Pack 20000 MAh

Thanks; I've read though with these newer 4Runners that have the push button start and extra electronics that you have to be very careful jumping them, with either another vehicle or a jump starter.

 

[fkheath]

Thanks; I've read though with these newer 4Runners that have the push button start and extra electronics that you have to be very careful jumping them, with either another vehicle or a jump starter.

Over on the RAV4 forum, there are many reports of the hybrid ECU being damaged due to not connecting the jumper cables right.

 

[Lexington]

Thanks; I've read though with these newer 4Runners that have the push button start and extra electronics that you have to be very careful jumping them, with either another vehicle or a jump starter.

I find that disappointing coming from Toyota. It’s bad enough that push button start vehicles are so easy to steal. This is another reason not to buy one.

 

[BlueRunner428]

I find that disappointing coming from Toyota. It’s bad enough that push button start vehicles are so easy to steal. This is another reason not to buy one.

Didn't know myself that they are easy to steal. I don't know if the increased sensitivity is something that is Toyota's fault though. It is just when you add more and more electronics and computers and things like push button start to vehicles, it means more things that could get fried by an electrical hiccup. But for the safety features and economy requirements, modern vehicles have to have such.

 

[Lexington]

Didn't know myself that they are easy to steal. I don't know if the increased sensitivity is something that is Toyota's fault though. It is just when you add more and more electronics and computers and things like push button start to vehicles, it means more things that could get fried by an electrical hiccup. But for the safety features and economy requirements, modern vehicles have to have such.

It’s completely Toyota’s fault! If the technology is that sensitive then it’s not ready for the market. Jump starting a car with a dead battery is a long time practice. Any car maker that introduces new technology must take this into consideration. If they don’t then they are doing a disservice to their customer.

 

[<<<<]

Do it! Do it Right, but help people! I had a dead battery in my car when I was teenager because I left lights on while dining in at local restaurant. I asked first person (old man with his wife driving new looking car) in the parking lot for a jump and he said "NO". I got help from a guy driving old pickup later. Don't be that old man. Help when help is badly needed.

 

[Saker]

NOCO Boost are handy items to have onboard. Not only for yourself but also when others need a boost.
I've got one in both vehicles.

 

[Too Stroked]

Do it! Do it Right, but help people! I had a dead battery in my car when I was teenager because I left lights on while dining in at local restaurant. I asked first person (old man with his wife driving new looking car) in the parking lot for a jump and he said "NO". I got help from a guy driving old pickup later. Don't be that old man. Help when help is badly needed.

There's an old saying that applies here: "No good deed goes unpunished." Let me explain.

In the good old days, I always carried a set of jumper cables and would help anybody that needed it. Then the electrical systems on cars got complicated. I personally watched a good Samaritan fry his ECM trying to help someone with a dead battery caused by a much more serious issue. Yup, that was it for my jumper cables. I still help folks in need, but I will only jump a car with my NOCO GB70 jump box.

As for frying electrical components by getting the polarity mixed up, the jump box also takes care of that by not allowing you to do it. And for those that say one would have to be an idiot to make such a mistake, I've done it. Yes, a part time mechanic for over 40 years made a stupid mistake - after almost 20 straight hours in the seat of a snow plow. Am I an idiot? No, but I sure felt like one. Another reason to only use a (good) jump box.

 

[BlueRunner428]

There's an old saying that applies here: "No good deed goes unpunished." Let me explain.

In the good old days, I always carried a set of jumper cables and would help anybody that needed it. Then the electrical systems on cars got complicated. I personally watched a good Samaritan fry his ECM trying to help someone with a dead battery caused by a much more serious issue. Yup, that was it for my jumper cables. I still help folks in need, but I will only jump a car with my NOCO GB70 jump box.

As for frying electrical components by getting the polarity mixed up, the jump box also takes care of that by not allowing you to do it. And for those that say one would have to be an idiot to make such a mistake, I've done it. Yes, a part time mechanic for over 40 years made a stupid mistake - after almost 20 straight hours in the seat of a snow plow. Am I an idiot? No, but I sure felt like one. Another reason to only use a (good) jump box.

The guy who fried his ECM, was this because he mixed up the wiring hookup?

 

[rigtec]

Ya know...,

The more members that are posting such GREAT Experiences here, the more I'm lovin' this thread!!! And I really like the Jump-boxes (w/intelligence) to get the job DONE RIGHT...!

Now I'd just like to add... There are 26 to 27 ECU's in our trucks; depending on trim level! But I tell-ya... they are Sooo well protected from Voltage & Current Spikes and short-circuiting from within, that I have yet to see an ECU/PCM get fried or just go bad in a 5'th Generation T4R!

ALL of the COMPU's in our trucks are methodically fused (Each One)! About ten years ago, my Instrument Cluster Lit-up like a "Times Square" Christmas Tree, and even the dealership didn't know what the trouble was... plus they don't like doing warranty labor!

So I had to figure it out with NOTHING to go on! :noidea: And the fact that the problem was Intermittent, made it more difficult for analysis to happen! I even bought a NEW Main Body ECU, but that wasn't the trouble! But I got lucky! "I watched and learned from my truck!" That's right; they'll try to tell you what's wrong... like a baby with a wet diaper, ya just gotta learn their language!

That's about when I was watching videos about Instrument Cluster notifications & DTC's! And I learned about the Importance of "YAW-RATE Acceleration Cali, and Center-point Steering Calibration, and how that affects the CAN-bus (Controller Area Network) System!"

When I performed those calibrations the 1'st time... the troubles went AWAY! But, sometimes they do reappear on their own e.g., Strong Area EMF's could affect it, Abrupt Stopping/Skidding may sometimes be the cause... and like anything calibrated, it can get Un-calibrated for one reason or another!

So use your trucks for their intended purpose(s); they're Very Well-Built, and can take Quite-0-bit of hard travels! "Enjoy Trail-Blazing folks!"

~rig~ Best to y'all!