Tried to jumpstart my car. It didn't start. Now afterward the car is in worse shape, there are no lights in the dash anymore when I turn the key, regardless of attempt to jumpstart. Hazard lights still work. No other electrical seems to be functioning. What could be going on?
The device used to attempt the jump start was a Schumacher charger that has a "jump start" option. "100A engine start"
Turns out I didn't read the instructions right (heh). It says to plug the charger in then set to "jump start" wait a couple minutes till it goes from "On" to "RdY" before cranking.
https://www.batterychargers.com/sites/default/files/manuals/0099001912E-R4.pdf
I had attempted cranking it when it still said "On".
Manual says "For severely discharged batteries, it is not recommended to crank during this time." and "WARNING: Using the Engine Start feature WITHOUT a battery installed in the vehicle could
damage to the vehicle’s electrical system. "
Seems that it did. Cause damage. I guess what the charger does is apply 100A to the battery for a minute or two, then goes back down to "low" until it detects cranking then it applies a bit more power, or some odd...
Fix was to replace the 80A "main fuse" and now it everything electrical is working OK again. It even jump starts the car fine. If done in the proper order now.
You can determine the right fuse by using little probes from your multimeter, if one end (and the other to ground) reads open and the other side read 0 (closed), that fuse's bad.
Check the alternator/generator and its connector wires, fusible links, relays, etc thoroughly.
If you are a technology savvy diyer check for proper working of the regulator/cut-out and diodes installed in the generator. Replacement of these components is not that costlier affair.
Best of luck!!
