OK.... my 2 cents on the jump starting debate. I work for a small robotics company and my job is designing industrial computer control systems. Yes it is true that inductive kickback from motors, coils, and solenoids, can blow holes in the silicon wafers of ICs, although there are ways to protect against this and I sure hope that Chrysler would incorporate such protection in there computers. Now that I’ve said that, I’m going to add that our Jeep computers must be protected well enough to run our own starters. How different is it running a starter in another jeep through 12’ wire? 12’ of wire will lower the voltage to the starter which would also lower the kickback. Next thing, your battery is a giant capacitor (in theory) which will absorb quick voltage spikes. Ok… personal experience… I run an Oasis HP 1000 air compressor on my Jeep. At max load it pulls about 180 amps (Rated, I never measured). I have it mounted in the back of my Jeep and have run about 8’-9’ feet of #4 wire to the battery. I have run this setup for the past 6 – 8 months with no problem. I use this compressor for air tools, filling tires, blowing out filters, you name it, and I have not had a problem. Also winch motors are equivalent to starter motors, and I see a lot of Jeeps with winches. Now for the flip side…. I could see possible damage if you had a bad connection to the battery, or maybe a very weak battery. Maybe this is what Chrysler is trying to protect us from.
OK… 2 more cents. I think it’s perfectly OK to jump start another vehicle with your jeep but if you’re not sure or your battery or battery connections are questionable. Put the jumper cables on the other vehicle and let your jeep run for 15 – 20 minutes to charge the other vehicles battery then disconnect the cables and start the other vehicle off of it’s own battery.
Frank
