That sinking feeling when you need to jump-start your car but your emergency device is dead is completely avoidable. Your Audew 500A portable jump starter delivers up to 20 jump starts for gas engines up to 5 liters when properly charged and maintained. Knowing exactly how to charge Audew jump starter units ensures you’ll never be stranded with a dead battery when winter hits or during unexpected roadside emergencies. This guide reveals the precise charging process, LED indicator meanings, and maintenance secrets most owners miss.
Grab Your Audew-Specific Charging Accessories
Your Audew jump starter comes with two dedicated charging methods that live right inside the protective case. Skip the frantic search through drawers—you’ll find both charging cables neatly stored in the mesh zipper pouch on the top portion of the hard-sided case. These aren’t universal cables you can substitute with random USB cords.
Critical charging components:
– Wall adapter: Standard household plug for 110V outlets
– Car adapter: 12V vehicle charger for your cigarette lighter socket
– Model-specific design: Both cables match the Audew 500A 13,800 mAh unit precisely
Using incompatible chargers risks damaging your unit’s lithium battery. The manufacturer specifically designed these connectors to deliver the correct 51.06 Wh capacity safely.
Identify the Correct Charging Port on Your Unit
Don’t confuse the charging port with the 12V DC output jack—this is where most users make their first mistake. The dedicated charging input sits prominently on the same side as your jumper cable clamps, clearly separated from the USB ports and power output connections.
Port identification checklist:
– Look for the recessed circular socket (not the rectangular USB ports)
– Verify it’s separate from the 12V DC output jack (which cannot be used while charging)
– Confirm both wall and car adapters use this identical port
Your 6.5-inch jump starter positions this port for easy access whether the unit is in your glove compartment or on a workbench.
Connect Your Charger Without Damaging the Unit
Wall Charging: Step-by-Step Power-Up
- Plug the wall adapter into any standard household outlet
- Firmly insert the connector into your jump starter’s charging port
- Wait 5 seconds for the LED indicators to activate automatically
Car Charging: On-the-Go Power Solution
- Start your vehicle’s engine (key in accessory position)
- Insert the 12V adapter fully into the cigarette lighter socket
- Connect the cable to your jump starter’s charging port
Warning: Never charge with the engine off—your vehicle’s electrical system provides unstable 12V power versus the stable 14V when running. This difference significantly impacts charging efficiency and battery longevity.
Interpret LED Indicator Lights Like a Pro
Those four LED lights provide critical battery status information—don’t ignore them. Each light represents exactly 25% of your 13,800 mAh capacity, with specific behaviors during charging:
LED status decoding:
– 4 solid lights: 100% charged (ready for up to 20 jump starts)
– 3 solid lights: 75% charged (ideal storage level)
– 2 solid lights: 50% charged (time for immediate recharge)
– 1 solid light: 25% charged (minimum safe level)
– 1 flashing light: Critical battery level (charge immediately)
Pro tip: Press the power button briefly if LEDs don’t activate—some units enter deep sleep mode during storage and need “waking up.”
Determine Exact Charging Duration for Your Situation
Charging time varies dramatically based on your jump starter’s current state. The 3-4 hour full charge claim only applies when starting from complete depletion:
Real-world charging times:
– Empty to full (0-100%): 3-4 hours with wall charger
– Empty to full (0-100%): 4-5 hours with car charger
– 75% to 100%: Approximately 40 minutes
– 50% to 100%: About 1.5 hours
– 25% to 100%: Roughly 2.5 hours
Time-saving hack: For diesel vehicles (which require more starting power), always maintain 100% charge—topping off takes less than 30 minutes when you catch it at 75%.
Confirm Complete Charging Before Storing
Don’t unplug the moment the fourth LED lights up—your lithium battery needs that critical top-off period. Here’s how to verify full charge:
Full charge verification steps:
1. Wait 30 minutes after the fourth LED illuminates
2. Check that all four lights remain solid (no flashing)
3. Feel the unit—it should be slightly warm (not hot)
4. Disconnect cables and confirm LEDs stay lit for 30+ seconds
Warning: Warm charging cables indicate a dangerous connection issue—immediately unplug and inspect for damage.
Store Your Jump Starter for Maximum Readiness
Improper storage causes more jump starter failures than any other factor. Follow these storage protocols to maintain peak performance:
Optimal storage practices:
– Long-term storage: Maintain 75% charge (3 solid LEDs)
– Monthly check: Recharge when dropping to 2 LEDs
– Pre-trip protocol: Always top to 100% before road trips
– Winter readiness: Check charge level every 2 months (cold reduces battery life)
Storage location requirements:
– Ideal temperature: 68-72°F (20-22°C)
– Avoid direct sunlight and freezing conditions
– Always store in the protective hard case
Fix Common Charging Problems Immediately
Audew Won’t Charge? Check These First
Troubleshooting checklist:
– Test the wall outlet with another device
– Ensure car adapter is fully seated in cigarette lighter
– Verify charging cable is firmly connected at both ends
– Inspect for visible damage to cables or ports
No LED Response During Charging
Quick solutions:
– Press power button briefly to “wake” the unit
– Try both charging methods (wall vs car)
– Bring unit to room temperature if extremely hot or cold
Slow Charging Troubleshooting
Most likely causes:
– Using car charger with engine off
– Damaged or frayed charging cable
– Charging in extreme temperatures (below 32°F or above 104°F)
– Battery degradation (units older than 2 years)
Maintain Peak Jump Starting Performance
Pre-Use Verification Checklist
Before every critical use:
1. Check charge level: Press power button to activate LEDs
2. Top off charge: Recharge if below 3 solid lights
3. Test functionality: Briefly touch jumper clamps together (sparks indicate power)
4. Verify storage: Keep in vehicle at stable room temperature
Battery Longevity Essentials
- Never store below 25%: Low voltage damages lithium cells permanently
- Quarterly charging: Recharge even when unused
- 3-year replacement: Replace regardless of usage frequency
- Moisture prevention: Keep dry—corrosion ruins charging port contacts
Emergency Power Options When Standard Charging Fails
Last-resort charging methods:
– Portable power bank: Some 12V power banks can provide emergency charge
– Another vehicle: Use a friend’s car cigarette lighter socket
– Solar panel: 12V solar chargers work slowly but reliably
Critical warning: Never attempt to charge with USB phone chargers—insufficient voltage can permanently damage your jump starter’s battery management system.
Your Audew jump starter represents your first line of defense against dead car batteries, but only when properly charged and maintained. By following these specific charging protocols—using only the included cables, monitoring LED indicators religiously, and storing at optimal charge levels—you’ll maximize the 500A power packed into that compact 6.5-inch device. Charge it fully tonight using the wall adapter for exactly 3 hours, and drive with confidence knowing you’re prepared for up to 20 jump starts whenever disaster strikes. Remember: the true value of your Audew isn’t in its purchase price, but in being fully charged and ready when you need it most.
