Jump starting a car with the park lights/ side lights on.

[bromster]

Today I was told that the car with the good battery should turn the side lights on whilst jump starting to prevent frying on board electronics.

I have never heard this before. Is it true? If so, why?

 

[chrisc]

It makes no difference whatsoever whether something is drawing current from the battery or not. The trick is to clamp the leads on firmly and not an on/off cycle, which will induce spikes to the electrics. All car electronics have fairly good impulse protection nowadays and are robust

 

[D3athD00r]

I've jumped started many cars. Mostly ladies that forget to put everything off. Never ever has any circuit fried. I call BS. In my car everything was off.

Besides, no flat battery is a good battery at that moment in time.

 

[mr_norris]

Yeah I've roll started / jump started many cars, without anything on except the ignition