“Rrrrrr…click-click-click. RRRRR…click-click-click.” I know that sound.
I was all packed up for an overnight camper van trip to Snoqualmie Pass this past Friday, 10 year-old son strapped into his car seat, last glimmer of sunlight fading fast, but when I turned the ignition, “rrrr…click-click-click.”
OK, no problem, jumper cables out of the back, Honda Fit pulled up alongside, hood popped, but it’s dark, so I flick my iPhone into flashlight mode and prop it on the engine block while I connect the batteries, black, black, red, red. This time the engine roars and purrs and there’s a flurry of cable disconecting (red, red, black, black), slam the hood, re-park the Fit and we’re off!
Fortunately, we’re still just on the other side of town doing some food shopping when I start fishing around for my phone. Pocket? Other pocket? Dashboard?
Engine block. Oops. At least it was still there!
Fortunately, there’s a great local resource for cracked screen replacement (and battery replacement), Jet City Device Repair (3642 Wallingford Ave N), tucked in near Cantinetta and Union Saloon. They take walk-ins (although calling ahead can assure they’re ready for you) and can replace your screen or battery (iPhone and Android) for the same or less than you would pay at the Apple Store over in University Village, generally in about a half hour.
While you’re there, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and add your story to their Post-It Note Hall of Fame.
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Good to know. And for the dead battery? I just got the Noco Battery Charger. It’s a*ma*zing!! Charge it with your cell phone charger, has a 4 mode flashlight and tech that eliminates arcing – so no worries about touching clamps or wrong terminals.
The best part?? It fits in your glovebox!! Comes with it own little pouch. Oh! And you can run or charge your devices while camping. Lasts for numerous jumps and stays charged.
I know this sounds like an infomercial – but seriously, this is an awesome thingy!! It’s $99. And I got it thru Amazon. Saw it first on YouTube to jump my Mercedes. The battery is under the backseat but there are terminals under the hood. Learned that on YouTube as well!!
I have a similar device I got at Best Buy for around 60 bucks. Cobra is the brand, I think. Totally worth it. You can get one or two jumps per charge, depending on the the size of the engine. I’ve used it jump my car multiple times without having to fuss with putting cables on another car. It’s the size of a large smart phone, and thicker. Plus, it’s got a built in flashlight and ports to charge your devices. Genius!
Hayduke – Sounds like the same thing.These things are the best. I don’t know how long they’ve been available, but no more waiting for AAA for jump. And the size is so compact!
Order for connecting jumper cables.
1. Red Dead
2. Red Live
3. Black Live
4. Black Dead Engine Block
Looked like your order was backwards.
Gah!