Black and Decker Start It Jump Starter Instructions Guide

Master your Black and Decker Start It jump starter with these simple, step-by-step instructions to safely jump-start your vehicle and power 12V devices on the go. From connecting clamps correctly to avoiding reverse polarity, this guide ensures reliable performance and long-lasting use—perfect for emergencies or roadside assistance.

Key Takeaways

• Always charge fully before first use to ensure peak performance.
• Connect red clamp first to positive terminal, then black to ground.
• Never reverse clamps—it can damage the jump starter and vehicle.
• Use 12V mode only for cars; avoid 24V unless specified.
• Store in cool, dry place to prolong battery life and reliability.
• Check LED indicators to confirm charge level and operational status.

Why You Need a Reliable Jump Starter (And How the Black and Decker Start It Helps)

We’ve all been there. You’re running late for work, or you’re about to head out for a weekend adventure, and you turn the key in your car—only to hear that dreaded click-click-click of a dead battery. It’s frustrating, stressful, and often happens at the worst possible moment. I remember one winter morning when my old jump starter failed me, and I had to wait 45 minutes for roadside assistance in freezing temperatures. That’s when I decided to upgrade to a more reliable solution—the Black and Decker Start It jump starter.

Unlike traditional jumper cables that require another vehicle, the Black and Decker Start It jump starter is a portable power pack designed to get your car back on the road without relying on a second car. It’s compact, user-friendly, and packed with safety features that make it ideal for both seasoned drivers and those who’ve never jump-started a car before. Whether you’re dealing with a dead battery due to cold weather, leaving the lights on overnight, or an aging battery, this device is built to handle it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using the Black and Decker Start It jump starter, from unboxing to troubleshooting common issues—so you’re never left stranded again.

What Is the Black and Decker Start It Jump Starter?

Overview and Key Features

The Black and Decker Start It jump starter is a portable battery-powered device designed to jump-start vehicles with dead or weak batteries. Think of it as a power bank for your car. It stores energy in a rechargeable lithium-ion or lead-acid battery and delivers a surge of power when connected to your car’s battery terminals. Most models, like the popular Start It 12V 1000 Peak Amp, offer enough power to start small to medium-sized vehicles, including cars, SUVs, trucks, and even some boats.

Here’s what sets the Black and Decker Start It apart:

• High Peak Amps: Delivers up to 1000 peak amps (varies by model), enough to start most 12V engines.
• Built-in Safety Features: Includes reverse polarity protection, spark-proof clamps, and over-current protection.
• USB Ports: Charges phones, tablets, and other USB devices—great for emergencies.
• LED Work Light: Built-in flashlight helps in low-light situations.
• Compact and Durable: Weighs under 15 pounds and fits easily in your trunk or under a seat.

Who Is It For?

The Black and Decker Start It jump starter is perfect for:

• Everyday drivers who want peace of mind
• Road trippers and campers who venture off the grid
• Elderly drivers or those with limited technical experience
• Parents who want a safe, simple solution for family vehicles

It’s especially useful in areas with harsh winters, where cold temperatures can sap battery life overnight. I keep mine in the back of my SUV year-round—it’s become one of my most trusted travel companions.

Models and Variations

Black and Decker offers several versions of the Start It series. While the core function is the same, the specs vary:

• Start It 600A: Best for small cars and motorcycles
• Start It 800A: Good for sedans and compact SUVs
• Start It 1000A: Ideal for trucks, SUVs, and larger vehicles
• Start It 1200A: Top-tier model with extra power and features

Choose based on your vehicle size and how often you plan to use it. For most drivers, the 800A or 1000A strikes the right balance between power and portability.

How to Use the Black and Decker Start It Jump Starter (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Safety First

Before you even touch the jump starter, prioritize safety. Here’s what I do:

• Park on a flat surface and turn off the engine.
• Engage the parking brake and put the car in park (or first gear for manual transmission).
• Wear safety glasses if available—batteries can emit fumes.
• Keep the jump starter dry and away from flammable materials.

I learned this the hard way after a friend tried jump-starting in the rain and got a small spark near the battery. Not dangerous, but definitely a wake-up call.

Step 2: Check the Jump Starter’s Charge

Never assume your Black and Decker Start It jump starter is ready. Before connecting it to your car:

• Press the charge indicator button (usually on the front or side).
• Look at the LED lights: 3 or 4 bars mean it’s charged and ready. If it’s below 50%, plug it in first.

Pro tip: Charge it every 3–6 months, even if you don’t use it. Lithium batteries degrade over time if left uncharged.

Step 3: Connect the Cables (Correctly!)

This is the most critical step. Connecting the cables wrong can damage your car’s electronics or cause sparks. Follow this order:

1. Connect the red (positive) clamp to the positive (+) terminal on your car battery.
2. Connect the black (negative) clamp to a ground point—not the negative battery terminal. Use a bare metal surface on the engine block or frame. (This reduces spark risk near the battery.)
3. Double-check: Red to positive, black to ground. No wiggle room here.

One time, I connected the black clamp to the negative terminal out of habit. The jump starter’s safety alarm went off immediately—saved me from a costly mistake.

Step 4: Start Your Vehicle

Now it’s time to bring your car back to life:

1. Turn on the jump starter (some models have a power button).
2. Wait 10–30 seconds. This lets the jump starter transfer power to your car’s battery.
3. Try starting your engine. If it doesn’t start on the first try, wait 2–3 minutes and try again. Most models allow 3–4 attempts before needing a recharge.

If your car starts, great! Let it run for at least 15–20 minutes to recharge the battery. If it doesn’t start after 3 tries, the issue might not be the battery—could be a starter motor, alternator, or fuel problem.

Step 5: Disconnect and Store

Once your car is running:

1. Turn off the jump starter.
2. Disconnect the black clamp first, then the red clamp.
3. Return the clamps to the storage slots on the unit.
4. Recharge the jump starter as soon as possible.

I keep mine in a small tote with my emergency kit—flashlight, gloves, and a first-aid kit. Easy to grab in a pinch.

Charging and Maintaining Your Black and Decker Start It

How to Charge the Jump Starter

Keeping your Black and Decker Start It jump starter charged is non-negotiable. Here’s how:

• Wall Charger: Most models come with a 120V AC adapter. Plug it into a wall outlet. A full charge takes 6–12 hours, depending on capacity.
• Car Charger: Use the 12V cigarette lighter adapter (if included) to charge on the go. Handy for road trips.
• Solar Charger: Some newer models support solar charging, though it’s slow—best as a backup.

I charge mine every 4 months, even if it’s still at 70%. It’s like changing the batteries in your smoke detectors—better safe than sorry.

Storage Tips for Longevity

To extend your jump starter’s lifespan:

• Store in a cool, dry place (avoid attics or garages that get hot).
• Keep it between 40°F and 80°F (4°C–27°C).
• Don’t store it fully discharged or fully charged. Aim for 50–80% charge.
• Clean the clamps with a dry cloth after use.

My neighbor left his jump starter in his trunk during a Texas summer. The plastic housing warped, and the battery lost capacity. A $100 mistake.

When to Replace the Battery

Most jump starters last 3–5 years with proper care. Signs it’s time to replace:

• Charge doesn’t hold (dies in hours, not months)
• Slow charging or no charging at all
• Physical damage (cracks, bulges)

Black and Decker doesn’t sell replacement batteries for most models. If yours fails, you may need to buy a new unit. But for the price, it’s often worth upgrading to a newer model with better tech.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting Tips

Jump Starter Won’t Turn On

If your Black and Decker Start It jump starter won’t power on:

• Check if it’s charged. Use the indicator button.
• Try a different power outlet or charging cable.
• Let it charge for 24 hours if it’s been unused for months.

One time, my unit wouldn’t turn on after being stored all winter. A full 24-hour charge fixed it—the battery just needed a deep cycle.

Vehicle Still Won’t Start

If your car doesn’t start after using the jump starter:

• Check the connections: Are the clamps tight? Is the ground point clean?
• Wait longer (up to 2 minutes) before starting.
• Try a different ground point (some engine parts are painted or corroded).
• The battery might be too far gone. A jump starter can’t revive a completely dead or sulfated battery.

I once tried to jump a car with a 6-year-old battery. It cranked but didn’t turn over. The battery needed replacing, not just a jump.

Clamps Get Warm or Spark

A small spark when connecting is normal. But if clamps get hot or spark excessively:

• Disconnect immediately.
• Check for reverse polarity (red to negative, black to positive).
• Ensure the car is off during connection.
• Clean battery terminals with a wire brush.

Sparking can damage the jump starter or car electronics. Always double-check connections.

USB Ports Not Working

If you can’t charge your phone:

• Check if the jump starter is powered on.
• Try a different USB cable.
• Ensure the USB port isn’t covered in dust or debris.

I use a small brush to clean the USB ports every few months. Dirt is a silent killer of electronics.

Comparing Black and Decker Start It to Other Jump Starters

Performance and Value

The Black and Decker Start It jump starter competes with brands like NOCO, DBPOWER, and Tacklife. Here’s how it stacks up:

Feature	Black & Decker Start It 1000A	NOCO Boost Plus GB40	DBPOWER 800A
Peak Amps	1000	1000	800
Battery Type	Lithium-ion	Lithium-ion	Lithium-ion
USB Ports	2 (5V/2.1A)	2 (5V/2.1A)	2 (5V/2.1A)
Safety Features	Reverse polarity, spark-proof, overload	Reverse polarity, spark-proof, overload	Reverse polarity, spark-proof
Price (approx.)	$80–$100	$100–$120	$60–$80
Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year

The Black and Decker offers a solid middle ground: reliable performance, good safety features, and a competitive price. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s not overpriced either. I prefer it over DBPOWER because of the sturdier clamps, and over NOCO because it’s easier to use for beginners.

Where It Shines (and Where It Doesn’t)

Pros:

• Intuitive design—great for first-time users
• Durable clamps and cables
• Good balance of power and portability
• Affordable compared to premium brands

Cons:

• No jump-start counter (some NOCO models track attempts)
• Slightly heavier than ultra-compact models
• Charging time is longer than some competitors

If you need a jump starter that’s simple, safe, and won’t break the bank, the Black and Decker Start It is a top pick. But if you want advanced features like Bluetooth monitoring or a built-in air compressor, you might consider other brands.

Final Thoughts: Is the Black and Decker Start It Right for You?

After using the Black and Decker Start It jump starter for over two years—through road trips, winter storms, and a few “I left the lights on” moments—I can confidently say it’s one of the best investments I’ve made for my car. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, but it does the job without fuss.

What I love most is the peace of mind. I don’t worry about being stranded in a parking lot or needing to flag down a stranger for help. I just grab the jump starter, follow the simple steps, and I’m back on the road in minutes. And the fact that it doubles as a phone charger and flashlight? That’s just icing on the cake.

To get the most out of your Black and Decker Start It jump starter, remember the basics: charge it regularly, store it properly, and follow the connection steps carefully. It’s not a magic fix for every car problem, but for dead batteries—it’s close.

So, whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend warrior, or just someone who hates being caught off guard, this jump starter deserves a spot in your car. It’s affordable, effective, and backed by a trusted brand. And when that dreaded click-click-click happens, you’ll be ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the Black and Decker Start It Jump Starter for the first time?

Before using your Black and Decker Start It Jump Starter, fully charge it using the included AC adapter. Connect the clamps to the battery terminals (red to positive, black to negative), then turn on the unit and start your vehicle.

Can the Black and Decker Start It Jump Starter be used in cold weather?

Yes, this jump starter performs well in cold weather, but extreme temperatures may reduce battery efficiency. Store it in a temperature-controlled environment when not in use for optimal performance.

What safety features does the Black and Decker Start It Jump Starter have?

The jump starter includes reverse polarity protection, spark-proof clamps, and overload protection to prevent damage. These features help ensure safe operation during use.

How long does the Black and Decker Start It Jump Starter hold a charge?

It can hold a charge for up to 3–6 months when stored properly, depending on environmental conditions. Recharge the unit every 3 months if unused to maintain battery health.

Can I charge my phone with this jump starter?

Yes, most models include USB ports to charge smartphones and other small devices. Use the USB cable to connect your device and press the power button to begin charging.

Where can I find the official Black and Decker Start It Jump Starter instructions?

The official instructions are included in the product manual or available for download on the Black and Decker website. Refer to them for detailed guidance on troubleshooting and maintenance.