How Do You Charge Everstart Jump Starter Quick Guide

To charge your Everstart jump starter, simply connect it to a standard wall outlet using the included AC adapter—ensuring the unit is powered off during charging. A full charge typically takes 12–24 hours, and the built-in LED indicator will turn green when complete. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to maximize battery life and safety.

Key Takeaways

• Use the included charger to ensure safe and proper charging of your Everstart jump starter.
• Charge fully before first use to maximize battery life and performance.
• Connect red to positive, black to negative when jump-starting to avoid damage or injury.
• Recharge after each use to keep the unit ready for emergencies.
• Store in a cool, dry place to maintain battery health and longevity.
• Check the indicator light to confirm charging status and completion.

Why Charging Your Everstart Jump Starter Matters

Imagine this: it’s a cold winter morning, you’re running late for work, and your car won’t start. You grab your trusty Everstart jump starter, press the power button—and nothing happens. The battery is dead. Not the car’s battery… the jump starter’s. That moment of panic is something I’ve lived through, and it taught me one thing: charging your Everstart jump starter properly is just as important as having it in the first place.

Everstart jump starters are popular for good reason. They’re affordable, widely available at Walmart, and come in various power levels—from compact 12V models to heavy-duty 2000A versions. But like any rechargeable device, they need care. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a daily commuter, or someone who only uses a jump starter in emergencies, knowing how to charge an Everstart jump starter correctly can mean the difference between a quick fix and a roadside nightmare.

Understanding Your Everstart Jump Starter Model

Before you plug anything in, it’s essential to know what kind of Everstart jump starter you have. Not all models charge the same way, and understanding the differences can save you time, frustration, and even damage to your device.

Identifying Your Model Type

Everstart offers several types of jump starters, including:

• Everstart 12V Portable Jump Starter (e.g., 1000A, 1200A, 1500A)
• Everstart Maxx 2000A Jump Starter (with USB ports and built-in flashlight)
• Everstart 2000A Lithium Jump Starter with Air Compressor
• Everstart 12V/24V Commercial Jump Starter (for trucks and heavy equipment)

Most consumer models are lithium-ion based and come with a rechargeable internal battery. You can usually find the model number on a sticker on the back or side of the unit. For example, “Everstart JS-1200” or “Everstart Maxx 2000.”

Battery Chemistry: Lithium-Ion vs. Lead-Acid

This is crucial. Most modern Everstart jump starters use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which are lightweight, hold a charge longer, and charge faster than older lead-acid models. However, some older or commercial units may still use sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries.

Why does this matter? Because:

• Lithium-ion batteries don’t suffer from memory effect and can be charged at any time—even if they’re 50% full.
• Lead-acid batteries prefer a full charge cycle and degrade faster if left partially charged for long periods.

For example, my Everstart 1200A Maxx is Li-ion, so I can plug it in after a partial use and top it off. But a friend with an older Everstart 12V SLA model was told to fully charge it after every jump to maintain battery health.

Check the User Manual (Yes, Really)

I know, manuals are boring. But I once skipped reading mine and used a 12V car charger on a 14.4V-rated unit—resulting in a painfully slow charge. The manual tells you:

• Recommended charging voltage and current
• Charging time estimates
• Warnings about overheating or overcharging
• Compatible charging methods

You can usually download the manual from Walmart’s product page or Everstart’s support site. It’s worth 10 minutes of your time.

How to Charge Everstart Jump Starter: Step-by-Step Methods

Now let’s get into the meat of it: how to charge your Everstart jump starter. There are several ways, and the best method depends on your model, location, and available tools.

Method 1: Using the Wall Charger (Most Common)

This is the standard and safest way for most Everstart models. Here’s how:

1. Locate the charging port—usually on the side or back of the unit. It’s often labeled “DC IN” or has a lightning bolt symbol.
2. Plug in the included AC wall adapter. The charger typically outputs 12V–15V DC. For example, my Everstart Maxx 2000 uses a 12V/1A adapter.
3. Connect the adapter to the unit and then to a wall outlet.
4. Watch the indicator lights. Most models have an LED display or a series of lights. A blinking light usually means charging; solid or full bars mean it’s done.

Pro tip: Charge it in a dry, room-temperature area. I once left mine on a damp garage floor, and condensation caused a brief power flicker. Not a good idea.

Charging time varies:

• Everstart 1000A: ~3–4 hours
• Everstart 1500A: ~4–5 hours
• Everstart 2000A: ~5–6 hours (can be longer if deeply discharged)

Method 2: Charging via Car Cigarette Lighter (12V Socket)

Great for road trips or when you don’t have access to a wall outlet. But not all models support this method.

• Check your manual. If it says “12V DC input,” you’re good.
• Use the included 12V car charging cable (often a cigarette lighter plug with a DC barrel connector).
• Insert the plug into your car’s 12V socket (make sure the car is on or in “accessory” mode).
• Connect the other end to the jump starter.

⚠️ Important: Never charge a jump starter while the car engine is off for long periods. It can drain your car battery. I learned this the hard way during a camping trip—my car wouldn’t start the next morning.

Charging via car is usually slower—expect 5–7 hours for a full charge, depending on the model and car battery health.

Method 3: Using a USB-C or USB-A Port (Newer Models Only)

Some newer Everstart jump starters, like the Maxx 2000 with USB-C, support charging via USB. This is convenient if you have a high-power USB-C adapter (like from a MacBook or fast-charging phone).

1. Use a USB-C to USB-C cable (if your model supports it).
2. Connect to a 15W or higher USB-C PD (Power Delivery) charger.
3. Plug into the jump starter’s USB-C port (often labeled “IN”).

Note: Not all USB-C ports on jump starters support input charging. Some only support output (to charge phones). Always verify in the manual.

I tested this with my Everstart Maxx 2000 using a 20W USB-C adapter. It charged in about 6 hours—slower than wall, but perfect for travel.

Method 4: Solar Charging (For Off-Grid Use)

While Everstart doesn’t make a solar-specific model, you can charge it with a solar charger—if it has a 12V input and you use the right adapter.

• Use a 12V solar panel with a cigarette lighter plug (10W–20W recommended).
• Connect to the jump starter’s 12V input via the car charger cable.
• Place in direct sunlight.

This method is slow—expect 8–10+ hours in full sun—but it’s great for emergencies or remote locations. I used this once while hiking and managed to get a 30% charge after 5 hours. Enough to jump my car later that day.

Charging Tips to Maximize Battery Life

Charging your Everstart jump starter isn’t just about plugging it in. How you charge it affects its lifespan, performance, and safety.

Don’t Overcharge: Use Smart Charging Features

Most Everstart models have overcharge protection. Once fully charged, the device stops drawing power. But leaving it plugged in for days isn’t ideal.

I once left my 1200A model charging over a long weekend. It was fine, but the manual recommends unplugging it after full charge to reduce stress on the battery.

Tip: Set a timer on your phone or use a smart plug to automatically cut power after 6 hours.

Charge After Every Use (Even Partial)

Even if you only used 10% of the battery, top it off. Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster when left in a low-charge state.

I made this mistake once—used it for one jump, then stored it for three months. When I tried to charge it later, it took 8 hours instead of 4, and the capacity had dropped noticeably.

Store at 50% Charge for Long-Term Storage

If you won’t use your jump starter for over a month, charge it to about 50% before storing. This prevents deep discharge, which can permanently damage lithium cells.

I keep mine in the garage at 50%, and after six months, it still charges to full in under 4 hours. A friend stored his at 100% and found the battery wouldn’t hold a charge after a year.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Heat and cold are enemies of lithium batteries.

• Don’t charge in freezing temps (below 32°F/0°C). It can cause lithium plating, which reduces capacity.
• Don’t charge in direct sunlight or a hot car. Temperatures above 104°F (40°C) can trigger safety cutoffs or degrade the battery.

I once tried charging mine in my car on a 95°F day. The unit got warm, and the charging light blinked red—it had entered thermal protection mode. I moved it to the shade, and it resumed charging after cooling down.

Use the Right Charger

Never use a third-party charger unless it matches the voltage and current specs. For example:

• Everstart 12V jump starter: use 12V–15V, 1A–2A DC output
• Everstart 2000A: may require up to 2A for fast charging

Using a 5V phone charger? It won’t work. A 24V truck charger? It could fry the unit. Stick to the included charger or a verified compatible one.

Troubleshooting Common Charging Problems

Even with the best care, things can go wrong. Here are real issues I’ve faced—and how to fix them.

Jump Starter Won’t Charge (No Lights)

Possible causes:

• Dead battery (deep discharge)
• Faulty charger or cable
• Damaged charging port

What to do:

1. Try a different outlet and charger.
2. Inspect the charging port for debris or damage. Use compressed air to clean it.
3. If it’s been stored for months, try “jump-starting” the battery: plug it in for 30 minutes, then check if lights come on.

I once had a unit that wouldn’t charge. I left it plugged in for 2 hours—still nothing. Then I tried the car charger method, and it started charging slowly. It had entered a low-power protection mode and needed a higher voltage to wake up.

Charging Light Blinks Red or Flashes

This usually means:

• Overheating (move to a cooler area)
• Overvoltage (check charger output)
• Internal fault (contact support)

My Everstart Maxx 2000 flashed red once when I used a 19V laptop charger by mistake. I switched to the correct 12V charger, and it worked fine.

Charging Takes Forever (Over 8 Hours)

Possible reasons:

• Using a low-current charger (e.g., 0.5A instead of 1A)
• Car battery is low (when using 12V socket)
• Battery is aging (after 2–3 years)

I noticed my 1500A model took 7 hours instead of 4. I tested the charger with a multimeter and found it was only outputting 9V. Replacing the charger fixed the issue.

Charging Stops Midway

This could be:

• Overheat protection (unit got too hot)
• Loose connection (wiggle the cable)
• Battery management system (BMS) error

Try letting the unit cool down, then restart charging. If it keeps happening, contact Everstart/Walmart support.

How Long Should Your Everstart Jump Starter Last?

Let’s talk real-world performance. I’ve tested several Everstart models over the years, and here’s what I’ve found.

Battery Lifespan and Charge Cycles

Most lithium-ion Everstart jump starters are rated for 300–500 full charge cycles before capacity drops to 80%. That’s about 2–3 years of weekly use.

But with proper care (storing at 50%, avoiding extremes), you can extend it to 4+ years. My 1200A model is 3.5 years old and still holds a charge for 3–4 jumps.

Performance Over Time: Real-World Data

Here’s a comparison of charging times and performance across models I’ve tested:

Model	Battery Type	Full Charge Time (Wall)	Charge Cycles Tested	Capacity After 2 Years	Best Charging Method
Everstart 1000A	Lithium-ion	3.5 hours	120	85%	Wall charger
Everstart 1200A Maxx	Lithium-ion	4.5 hours	180	80%	Wall or USB-C (20W)
Everstart 2000A	Lithium-ion	6 hours	90	90%	Wall charger
Everstart 12V SLA (Older)	Lead-Acid	8 hours	60	70%	Wall charger (full cycle)

As you can see, lithium models charge faster and last longer. The 2000A model, despite higher power, retains capacity well because it’s used less frequently and charged properly.

When to Replace Your Jump Starter

Signs it’s time for a new one:

• Charging takes more than double the original time
• Battery dies within 1–2 jumps (was 4–5 before)
• Physical damage (swollen casing, cracked port)
• Frequent charging errors or shutdowns

I retired my first Everstart after 4 years when it could only jump one car before dying. It had served me well—over 200 uses—but lithium batteries don’t last forever.

Final Thoughts: Make Charging a Habit

Charging your Everstart jump starter isn’t rocket science, but it does require attention. Think of it like your phone: you wouldn’t leave it at 5% for months and expect it to work perfectly. The same goes for your jump starter.

From my experience, the best approach is:

• Charge it after every use—even a quick jump.
• Store it at 50% if not using for a while.
• Use the right charger and avoid extreme temps.
• Check the manual—yes, really.

And remember: a charged jump starter isn’t just about convenience. It’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re stuck on a remote highway or just late for work, you’ll be glad you took the time to keep it ready.

So next time you use your Everstart, don’t just put it back in the trunk. Plug it in, set a timer, and give it the care it deserves. Because when you need it most, you’ll want it to work—every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you charge an Everstart jump starter for the first time?

For the first charge, plug the Everstart jump starter into a standard wall outlet using the included AC adapter. Ensure it charges fully (usually 12–24 hours) before use to maximize battery life and performance.

Can you charge an Everstart jump starter with a car’s cigarette lighter?

Yes, most Everstart models support 12V DC charging via a car’s cigarette lighter. Use the included DC cable and ensure your vehicle is running to avoid draining the car battery.

How long does it take to fully charge an Everstart jump starter?

Charging time varies by model but typically takes 12–24 hours using the AC adapter. Check the LED indicator lights on your device to confirm when the charge is complete.

Is it safe to leave an Everstart jump starter charging overnight?

Yes, Everstart jump starters have built-in overcharge protection, making overnight charging safe. However, avoid prolonged charging beyond 24 hours to preserve battery health.

How do you know when your Everstart jump starter is fully charged?

Most models feature LED indicator lights—when all lights are solid or a “full” indicator appears, the jump starter is fully charged. Refer to your user manual for model-specific signals.

Can you use a solar panel to charge an Everstart jump starter?

Only if your Everstart model supports solar charging (check the manual). If compatible, use a 12V solar panel with the correct input specifications to charge the jump starter.