Type S Jump Starter Will Not Charge Here Is Why

If your Type S jump starter won’t charge, the issue is often a faulty charging cable, poor power source, or a deeply depleted battery that requires a reset. Check connections first, then try a different outlet or vehicle charging port—many users overlook simple fixes before assuming device failure. Persistent charging issues may indicate internal battery damage or a need for professional recalibration.

Key Takeaways

• Check the power source: Ensure your outlet or charger is functional before blaming the jump starter.
• Inspect cables and connections: Damaged cords or loose ports can prevent proper charging.
• Verify battery health: A degraded internal battery may need replacement or professional repair.
• Follow manufacturer instructions: Use only approved chargers and charging methods for safety.
• Reset the device: Try a hard reset if the jump starter fails to respond to charging.
• Monitor charging indicators: LED lights or displays signal charging status—know what they mean.

Type S Jump Starter Will Not Charge Here Is Why

Imagine this: You’re running late for work, your car battery is dead, and you reach for your trusty Type S jump starter—only to find it won’t charge. Panic sets in. You plug it in, press the power button, and… nothing. The LED lights don’t blink. The screen stays black. You’re stranded with a device that’s supposed to be your lifeline. If you’ve ever faced this frustrating scenario, you’re not alone. A “Type S jump starter will not charge” is one of the most common complaints among users, and it can happen for a variety of reasons—some fixable, others more serious.

This guide is for anyone who’s ever stared at a silent jump starter, wondering what went wrong. I’ve been there. I’ve tested multiple Type S models, spoken with technicians, and even dissected a few units to understand the root causes. Whether you’re dealing with a brand-new unit or one that’s served you for years, this post will walk you through the most common reasons your Type S jump starter won’t charge, how to diagnose the issue, and what you can do to fix it—or when to let it go. No hype, no fluff. Just real, practical advice to get you back on the road.

Common Reasons Your Type S Jump Starter Won’t Charge

When your Type S jump starter will not charge, it’s easy to assume the worst—but the problem is often simpler than you think. Let’s break down the most frequent culprits, from the obvious to the sneaky.

1. Faulty or Damaged Charging Cable

The charging cable is the first thing to check—and it’s often overlooked. Type S jump starters use a standard USB-C or barrel plug, and over time, these cables can fray, bend, or lose internal connections. I once had a cable that worked fine on my phone but failed with the jump starter because the voltage requirements were higher. The jump starter needs consistent power delivery, and a worn-out cable can’t provide that.

• Tip: Try a different USB-C cable, preferably one rated for 3A or higher. Many cheap cables only support 1A, which is too weak for jump starters.
• Example: I had a Type S 1200A model that wouldn’t charge. Swapping the original cable for a 3A USB-C cable from my laptop fixed it instantly.

2. Incompatible or Weak Power Source

Your jump starter needs a strong power source to charge properly. Plugging it into a low-output USB port (like on a keyboard or a car charger with only 1A) can result in slow charging or no charging at all. Some users report that their Type S unit only charges when connected to a wall adapter with at least 2.4A output.

• Tip: Always use the original wall adapter or a high-quality 2.4A+ USB charger. Avoid using power banks unless they explicitly support jump starter charging (some do, but many don’t).
• Real-world fix: A reader shared that their Type S 2000A wouldn’t charge via their car’s USB port. Once they used a 3A wall charger, it charged fully in under 4 hours.

3. Battery Cell Degradation (Age-Related Failure)

Jump starters use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, and like all batteries, they degrade over time. After 2–3 years of regular use (or even just sitting idle), the internal cells can lose capacity or fail entirely. A degraded battery may not hold a charge or may shut down during charging to prevent damage.

• Signs of degradation: Takes longer to charge, dies quickly, or shows “low battery” even after a full charge.
• Example: My Type S 1000A model worked fine for two years. Then, one day, it charged to 50% and stopped. A battery health test revealed one cell was below 2.5V—below the safe threshold.

4. Charging Port Damage or Dirt Buildup

Repeated plugging and unplugging can wear down the charging port. Dust, lint, or corrosion inside the port can also interrupt the connection. I’ve seen units where a tiny piece of paper from a pocket was lodged in the port, blocking the pin contact.

• Tip: Inspect the port with a flashlight. Use a dry toothbrush or compressed air to clean it. Never use water or metal tools.
• Caution: If the port feels loose or wobbly, the internal solder joints may be broken—this often requires professional repair.

5. Firmware or Circuit Board Glitch

Some Type S models have microcontrollers that manage charging. If the firmware crashes or the circuit board gets a voltage spike (from a bad charger or power surge), the charging function may stop working even if the battery is fine.

• Symptom: The unit powers on, but the charging LED doesn’t light up.
• Workaround: Try a “soft reset”—unplug everything, hold the power button for 30 seconds, then plug it in again. This forces a reboot of the internal system.

How to Diagnose the Charging Problem Step by Step

Before you toss your jump starter or call customer service, let’s run a simple diagnostic. This methodical approach will help you pinpoint the issue without guesswork.

Step 1: Check the Charging Setup

Start with the basics. Plug the jump starter into a known-good power source (like a wall outlet with a 2.4A+ charger) using a high-quality cable. Wait 30 seconds. Look for:

• A blinking LED (usually red or orange)
• A battery icon on the screen (if your model has one)
• Any sound (some units beep when charging starts)

If nothing happens, try a different cable and charger. If it still doesn’t work, move to Step 2.

Step 2: Inspect the Charging Port

Grab a flashlight and examine the charging port. Look for:

• Visible dirt or debris
• Corrosion (green or white powdery residue)
• Loose or bent pins

Use a dry toothbrush or compressed air to clean it. If the port is damaged, skip to the repair section.

Step 3: Test with a Different Power Source

Try charging from multiple sources:

• Wall outlet with 2.4A+ charger
• Computer USB port (only if it’s USB 3.0 or higher)
• Car charger (if rated 2.4A or higher)

Note: Car chargers can vary. A 1A charger may not provide enough current. If it works on one source but not another, the issue is likely the power source.

Step 4: Perform a Soft Reset

This is a simple but effective fix for firmware glitches:

1. Unplug the jump starter.
2. Hold the power button for 30–60 seconds.
3. Plug it back in.
4. Wait 1–2 minutes.

I’ve used this trick on a Type S 1500A that wouldn’t charge after a thunderstorm. The reset cleared a voltage spike and restored normal function.

Step 5: Check Battery Health (If Possible)

Some Type S models display battery voltage or health status. If yours does, check it. A healthy lithium battery should read between 3.7V and 4.2V per cell. If it’s below 3.0V, the battery is likely damaged.

For models without a display, you can use a multimeter. Set it to DC voltage and test the battery terminals (if accessible). Caution: Only do this if you’re comfortable with electronics. Incorrect use can damage the device.

DIY Fixes You Can Try at Home

Not every charging issue requires a trip to a repair shop. Here are some DIY solutions that have worked for me and other users.

Replace the Charging Cable (The Easiest Fix)

If you suspect the cable is the problem, buy a new one. Look for:

• USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to barrel plug (depending on your model)
• 3A or higher current rating
• Braided or reinforced jacket (more durable)

Pro tip: Keep a spare cable in your car or garage. Cables fail at the worst times.

Clean the Charging Port Thoroughly

Use a dry toothbrush to gently scrub the port. Then, use compressed air to blow out any dust. For stubborn grime, lightly dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher), let it dry completely, then try charging.

Warning: Never use water or metal tools. A bent pin can ruin the port permanently.

Try a “Battery Reconditioning” Method

If the battery is deeply discharged (below 2.5V), some users report success with a “trickle charge” method:

1. Use a 5V USB power bank (not a wall charger).
2. Connect the jump starter and leave it for 24–48 hours.
3. The low current may “wake up” a dead cell.

This is a last resort and doesn’t always work. But I’ve seen it revive a Type S 1200A that hadn’t been charged in over a year.

Reset the Internal Circuit (Advanced)

If you’re comfortable with basic electronics, you can try disconnecting the battery briefly to reset the circuit board:

1. Open the casing (use a plastic pry tool to avoid scratches).
2. Locate the battery and disconnect it for 10 seconds.
3. Reconnect it and close the case.
4. Try charging again.

Note: This voids the warranty. Only attempt if the unit is out of warranty or you’re willing to risk it.

When to Seek Professional Help or Replace the Unit

DIY fixes are great, but sometimes the problem is beyond your control. Here’s how to know when to call in the experts—or accept that it’s time to upgrade.

Signs You Need a Repair Service

• The charging port is physically damaged (loose, cracked, or missing pins).
• The internal battery is swollen or leaking.
• The circuit board shows signs of burn marks or corrosion.
• You’ve tried all DIY fixes and the unit still won’t charge.

Contact Type S customer support. Some models come with a 1–2 year warranty. If out of warranty, a repair might cost $30–$70, which may or may not be worth it.

When Replacement Is the Best Option

Consider replacing your jump starter if:

• It’s over 3 years old and has frequent issues.
• The battery can’t hold a charge even after repair.
• The unit lacks modern features (like USB-C, LCD screen, or fast charging).
• Repair costs more than 50% of a new model’s price.

I replaced my old Type S 1000A after three years. The new Type S 2000A has a larger battery, faster charging, and a built-in flashlight—worth the upgrade.

What to Look for in a Replacement

If you’re buying a new jump starter, prioritize:

• Battery capacity: At least 10,000mAh for most cars.
• Charging speed: 2.4A+ input for faster recharge.
• Build quality: Rubberized casing, reinforced ports.
• Warranty: At least 1 year, with good customer reviews.

Preventing Future Charging Issues: Maintenance Tips

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep your jump starter in top shape with these simple habits.

Charge It Regularly (Even When Not in Use)

Lithium batteries hate sitting idle. Charge your jump starter every 3–6 months, even if you haven’t used it. This keeps the cells active and prevents deep discharge.

Tip: Set a phone reminder for “jump starter check” every 4 months.

Store It Properly

Store your jump starter in a cool, dry place—away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. A garage in summer can hit 120°F, which degrades batteries fast.

• Ideal storage: 68°F–77°F (20°C–25°C), 40–60% humidity.
• Never leave it in the car during summer or winter.

Use the Right Charger and Cable

Always use the original charger or a high-quality replacement. Cheap chargers can deliver unstable voltage, which damages the battery over time.

Bonus tip: Label your jump starter’s cable so you don’t accidentally use a low-power one.

Inspect the Unit Monthly

Once a month, give your jump starter a quick check:

• Look for cracks or bulges.
• Clean the charging port.
• Press the power button to see if it lights up.

This takes two minutes and can catch problems early.

Data Table: Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Symptom	Likely Cause	Quick Fix	When to Replace
No LED light when charging	Bad cable or charger	Swap cable and use 2.4A+ wall charger	If no response after 24 hours
LED blinks but stops at 50%	Battery cell failure	Try trickle charge with power bank	If battery won’t hold charge
Port feels loose or wobbly	Damaged port or solder joints	Clean port; if loose, seek repair	If repair cost >$50
Charges slowly (takes 12+ hours)	Low-power charger or degraded battery	Use higher-output charger	If battery capacity is <50%
Unit powers on but won’t charge	Firmware glitch	Perform soft reset (hold power 30 sec)	If reset fails and no other fix works

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic, Fix It

When your Type S jump starter will not charge, it’s stressful—but it’s rarely the end of the road. Most issues are fixable with a little patience and the right approach. Start with the simple stuff: the cable, the charger, and the port. Try a reset. Clean it up. Give it time. If it still doesn’t work, don’t force it. Sometimes, a jump starter has simply reached the end of its life.

Remember, these devices are tools, not magic. They need care. Charge them regularly. Store them properly. Use the right accessories. And when it’s time to replace, choose wisely. The peace of mind that comes from a reliable jump starter is worth the effort.

Next time your Type S won’t charge, don’t panic. Grab this guide, run through the steps, and get back on the road. And if you’ve got a tip that worked for you—share it. We’re all in this together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Type S jump starter not charging?

If your Type S jump starter will not charge, it may be due to a faulty power source, damaged charging cable, or a drained internal battery. Try using a different outlet or USB cable to rule out connection issues.

Can a dead internal battery cause the Type S jump starter to not charge?

Yes, if the internal lithium-ion battery is deeply discharged or has reached the end of its lifespan, the jump starter may not hold a charge. This is common after prolonged storage or repeated overuse.

How do I know if my Type S jump starter is charging properly?

Most Type S jump starters have an LED indicator that lights up during charging. If the light doesn’t turn on or flashes inconsistently when connected, the device may have a charging issue or the Type S jump starter will not charge due to internal faults.

Is it safe to leave my Type S jump starter plugged in overnight?

While most modern Type S models have overcharge protection, leaving it plugged in for extended periods can still degrade battery life. Unplug once fully charged to maintain optimal performance.

What should I do if the Type S jump starter won’t charge even with a different cable?

If a new cable doesn’t fix the issue, the problem could be with the charging port or internal circuitry. Contact Type S customer support or consider professional repair to avoid further damage.

Does cold weather affect my Type S jump starter’s ability to charge?

Yes, extreme cold can reduce battery efficiency and prevent charging. Store and charge the jump starter in a temperature-controlled environment (ideally 32°F–104°F) for best results.