Tag: cold-cranking-amps

Backstory: my SUV with a 3.5L V6 sat for two weeks in freezing temps and my portable jump starter wouldn’t crank it. The unit claims 1000A peak and I charged it to 100% the night before. I cleaned the clamps and tried three times, but it just clicked and the lights flickered. Not sure if my model is underrated for this engine or if I’m using it wrong. I’ve seen CCA numbers thrown around and it’s confusing vs “peak amps.” I’m trying to keep the budget under $150 but I need something reliable for winter. How do I match the right amp rating, and are there signs my current pack is failing?