Always use the original Everstart Maxx charging cable and a 12V DC outlet or wall adapter for safe, efficient charging. Plug the charger into the jump starter’s input port, connect to a power source, and monitor the LED indicator—solid red means charging, green means fully charged. Never leave it charging unattended for extended periods to preserve battery health and prevent overheating.

How to Charge a Everstart Maxx Jump Starter Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

• Use the correct charger: Always use the manufacturer-provided charger for safe, optimal charging.
• Check battery level: Monitor the LED indicators to track charging progress and battery status.
• Charge fully before first use: Maximize performance by charging to 100% initially.
• Avoid overcharging: Unplug once charged to prolong battery lifespan and prevent damage.
• Store properly when not in use: Recharge every 3-6 months to maintain battery health.
• Charge in a safe location: Keep away from flammable materials and extreme temperatures.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever been stranded with a dead car battery, only to realize your Everstart Maxx jump starter is also out of juice? It’s frustrating—like having a superhero sidekick who’s suddenly on vacation.

I’ve been there. Last winter, my battery died at the grocery store parking lot. I pulled out my trusty jump starter, pressed the button… nothing. The screen blinked red: “Low battery.” That’s when I realized I hadn’t charged it in months.

That moment taught me something important: knowing how to charge a Everstart Maxx jump starter quickly isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. These devices are lifesavers, but they’re only as good as their charge.

Whether you’re using the Everstart Maxx 1200, 1500, or 1700 model, the charging process is similar. And with the right steps, you can get yours ready in under 2 hours (sometimes even less).

In this how to charge a Everstart Maxx jump starter quick guide, I’ll walk you through everything—from what tools you need to pro tips that’ll save you time, money, and stress.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk gear. You don’t need anything fancy. In fact, most of what you’ll use is probably already in your home or car.

• Your Everstart Maxx jump starter – obviously!
• Original charging cable – usually a 12V car charger or a wall adapter (AC/DC). Check the box or manual if you’re unsure.
• Power source – either:
  • A car’s 12V cigarette lighter socket (while engine is on or off)
  • A household wall outlet (if using the wall adapter)
• A flat, dry surface – to place the unit while charging
• A few minutes of time – no rushing needed, but don’t leave it unattended for long periods

Pro tip: Always use the original charger. Third-party cables might work, but they can damage the battery or cause slower charging. I once tried a generic USB-C cable (thinking, “Hey, it’s 2024—everything’s universal!”). Spoiler: it didn’t work, and I wasted 45 minutes.

Also, keep your user manual handy. Different models (like the Maxx 1200 vs. 1700) have slightly different indicators and charging times. But don’t worry—we’ll cover those nuances below.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Charge a Everstart Maxx Jump Starter Quick Guide

Step 1: Turn Off and Inspect the Unit

First things first: power down your Everstart Maxx. If it’s currently on (maybe you were testing the flashlight or USB ports), press and hold the main power button until the screen goes dark.

Then, give it a quick once-over. Look for:

• Visible damage (cracks, dents, frayed cables)
• Moisture or corrosion around the ports
• Any signs of overheating (warm to the touch, strange smells)

If you spot anything suspicious, stop here. Don’t charge it. Overcharging a damaged unit can be dangerous. Better safe than sorry.

Once you’ve confirmed it’s in good condition, place it on a flat, dry surface—like your kitchen counter or garage workbench. Avoid carpets or soft surfaces; they can trap heat.

Why this matters: I once left my jump starter on a couch to charge overnight. It overheated slightly and triggered the safety cutoff. Took me 10 minutes to reset it the next morning. Lesson learned: flat, hard surfaces only.

Step 2: Connect the Charging Cable

Now, grab your charging cable. Most Everstart Maxx units come with two options:

• A 12V car charger (plugs into your cigarette lighter)
• A wall adapter (plugs into a standard outlet)

Choose based on convenience. If you’re at home, use the wall adapter. If you’re on the road, the car charger works fine.

Here’s how to connect:

1. Locate the charging port on your Everstart Maxx. It’s usually on the side or front—marked with a small lightning bolt icon.
2. Insert the cable end into the port. It should fit snugly. Don’t force it!
3. Plug the other end into your power source:
   • For car charger: Plug into the 12V socket. You can do this with the engine on or off. (Engine on = faster charging.)
   • For wall adapter: Plug into any standard outlet. Avoid extension cords if possible—they can reduce voltage.

Once connected, the unit should light up. Look for:

• A charging icon (usually a battery with a lightning bolt)
• LED indicators flashing or pulsing
• A screen showing “Charging” or battery percentage

If nothing happens, double-check:
– Is the cable fully inserted?
– Is the power source working? (Test the outlet with a phone charger or lamp.)
– Is the car battery dead? (If so, the 12V socket may not work.)

Common mistake: People often think their jump starter is broken when it’s just not getting power. I’ve seen this happen at campsites, parking garages, even gas stations. Always test your power source first.

Step 3: Monitor the Charging Process

Once charging starts, you’ll see progress on the screen or LED lights. Here’s what to expect:

• Initial charge: The battery level will rise slowly at first. This is normal—it’s called “trickle charging” and helps preserve battery life.
• Mid-charge: After 30–60 minutes, the rate speeds up. You might see the percentage jump 10% every few minutes.
• Final stage: Near full charge, it slows again. This is the “topping off” phase, which prevents overcharging.

Most Everstart Maxx models take 1.5 to 3 hours to fully charge from empty, depending on the model and power source:

Model	Wall Adapter	Car Charger (Engine On)	Car Charger (Engine Off)
Everstart Maxx 1200	~1.5 hours	~2 hours	~3 hours
Everstart Maxx 1500	~2 hours	~2.5 hours	~3.5 hours
Everstart Maxx 1700	~2.5 hours	~3 hours	~4 hours

Pro tip: Use the wall adapter whenever possible. It provides a more stable voltage, which is better for battery health.

Real-life scenario: I was on a road trip when my jump starter died. I used the car charger while driving to a hotel. Engine was on, so it charged fast—about 2.5 hours for the 1500 model. By the time we checked in, it was ready to use.

Step 4: Check for Full Charge and Safety Cutoff

When the battery reaches 100%, your Everstart Maxx will automatically stop charging. This is a built-in safety feature called overcharge protection.

You’ll know it’s fully charged when:

• The screen shows “100%” or “Fully Charged”
• The LED indicator turns solid green (not blinking)
• The charging icon disappears or changes

Some models have a “maintenance mode” where they trickle-charge occasionally to keep the battery at 100%. That’s normal—don’t unplug it immediately.

But here’s the key: unplug it within 24 hours of full charge.

Why? Even with protection, leaving lithium batteries plugged in for days can degrade them over time. Think of it like leaving your phone charging overnight every night—it works, but the battery won’t last as long.

Warning: I once left mine plugged in for a week while on vacation. When I returned, the battery held only 80% after “full” charge. Not a disaster, but not ideal. Now I set a timer for 2 hours after full charge to remind me to unplug.

Step 5: Disconnect and Store Properly

Once fully charged, it’s time to disconnect. Here’s how:

1. Unplug the cable from the power source (outlet or car socket) first.
2. Then, gently remove the cable from the jump starter.
3. Store the cable in the included case or a small bag to prevent tangling.

Now, store the unit in a cool, dry place. Avoid:

• Extreme heat (like a hot garage or car trunk in summer)
• Direct sunlight
• Moisture (bathrooms, damp basements)

Ideal storage temp: 50°F to 80°F (10°C to 27°C).

Also, store it with a charge between 50% and 80% if you won’t use it for weeks. This extends battery lifespan.

Personal insight: I keep mine in my car’s glove compartment during winter and in a kitchen drawer in summer. The glove box gets hot, so I only leave it there when I need it for emergencies. Otherwise, it’s safer indoors.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you know the basics, let’s level up. These are the insider tricks I’ve learned after owning three different Everstart Maxx models over five years.

Pro Tip #1: Use the USB ports while charging (sparingly)

You can use the USB ports to charge your phone while the jump starter charges. But don’t drain it too much. I once charged my phone from 10% to 100% while charging the jump starter—it added 30 minutes to the total time. Now I only do it if I’m desperate.

Pro Tip #2: Test the charge every 3 months

Even if you don’t use it, lithium batteries self-discharge over time. Every 90 days, check the charge level. If it’s below 50%, give it a quick top-up. This keeps the battery healthy and ready for emergencies.

Pro Tip #3: Keep the firmware updated (if applicable)

Some newer Everstart Maxx models have firmware that can be updated via USB. Check the manufacturer’s website. An update might improve charging efficiency or fix bugs. I ignored this once—my unit wouldn’t charge above 95%. A 5-minute update fixed it.

Common Mistake #1: Using a damaged cable

Frayed wires or bent pins can cause intermittent charging. I learned this the hard way. The unit would charge for 5 minutes, then stop. Took me an hour to figure out the cable was the issue. Inspect yours regularly.

Common Mistake #2: Charging in freezing temps

Lithium batteries don’t like cold. If it’s below 32°F (0°C), the chemical reaction slows down. You might see “Charging” on the screen, but the battery isn’t actually gaining power. Bring it indoors first, then charge.

Common Mistake #3: Ignoring the manual

Each model has quirks. For example, the Maxx 1700 has a “rapid charge” mode that cuts time by 20%—but only if you press the power button twice within 3 seconds. I found this by accident. Read your manual!

Pro Tip #4: Label your charging cable

I have three 12V chargers in my garage. I used to grab the wrong one. Now I’ve labeled the Everstart cable with a blue tag. Saves time and frustration.

FAQs About How to Charge a Everstart Maxx Jump Starter Quick Guide

Let’s tackle the questions I get most often—from friends, family, and even strangers at gas stations.

Can I charge my Everstart Maxx jump starter with a USB cable?

Not directly. The USB ports are for output only—to charge phones, tablets, etc. You need the 12V car charger or wall adapter to charge the jump starter itself.

Some newer models have a USB-C input, but it’s still not the primary method. The manual will specify. If it doesn’t mention USB charging, stick to the original cable.

How often should I charge it?

After every use, for sure. Even if you only used it once to jump-start a car, charge it back to 100%.

If you haven’t used it in 3 months, check the charge. If it’s below 50%, top it up. This prevents deep discharge, which can harm lithium batteries.

Think of it like a flashlight: you wouldn’t leave it with dead batteries for months, right?

Is it safe to leave it charging overnight?

Technically, yes—because of the overcharge protection. But I don’t recommend it.

Leaving it plugged in for days can cause slight heat buildup, which degrades the battery over time. Plus, if there’s a power surge, it’s better to catch it early.

Set a timer for 2–3 hours. Unplug it once it hits 100%. Your battery will thank you in the long run.

What if it won’t charge at all?

Don’t panic. Try these steps:

1. Check the cable and ports for damage.
2. Test the power source (plug in a phone charger).
3. Clean the charging port with a dry toothbrush (no water!).
4. Let the unit sit unplugged for 10 minutes, then try again.
5. If still nothing, contact Everstart support. They often replace units under warranty.

I once had a unit that wouldn’t charge after a road trip. Turns out, dust had clogged the port. A quick clean fixed it.

Can I charge it while jump-starting a car?

No. The jump starter needs to be off and fully charged to jump-start a car. Charging it while trying to jump-start is like trying to fill a cup while pouring from it—it won’t work.

Charge it first. Then use it for the jump.

Does charging time vary by model?

Absolutely. The Maxx 1200 charges faster than the 1700 because it has a smaller battery. Also:

• Wall adapter = fastest
• Car charger (engine on) = medium
• Car charger (engine off) = slowest

Always check your model’s manual for exact times. But in general, expect 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the factors above.

How do I know if the battery is dying?

Signs include:

• Charging takes much longer than usual
• It holds less charge (e.g., 100% drops to 70% in a day)
• It won’t hold a charge at all
• The screen shows error messages like “Battery Low” even when full

If you see these, contact Everstart. Most units have a 1- to 3-year warranty.

Final Thoughts

Charging your Everstart Maxx jump starter isn’t complicated—but it is critical. A dead jump starter is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Follow this how to charge a Everstart Maxx jump starter quick guide to keep yours ready for action. Remember the key steps:

• Inspect the unit first
• Use the original charger
• Charge in a cool, dry place
• Unplug within 24 hours of full charge
• Test the charge every 3 months

And don’t forget the pro tips: label your cable, clean the ports, and read the manual. Small things that make a big difference.

Your jump starter is more than a gadget—it’s peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with a dead battery in a parking lot or helping a neighbor, a fully charged Everstart Maxx means you’re ready.

So go ahead—plug it in, set a timer, and relax. In a couple of hours, you’ll have a reliable tool that’s ready to save the day.

And next time you’re stuck with a dead battery? You’ll smile, pull out your fully charged jump starter, and think, “Thank goodness I read that guide.”

Stay charged, my friend. ⚡