You’re stranded with a dead car battery, grab your Type S jump starter, and—nothing. The LEDs flash red erratically, it won’t accept a charge, or the display stays completely dark. This sudden failure happens to thousands of drivers yearly, especially after reverse-polarity mistakes or extreme temperature exposure. But here’s the critical truth: 90% of Type S jump starter issues are fixable in under 5 minutes with the correct reset sequence. Whether you own the compact 6K, the rugged 20K Pro, or the wireless Gen-2 model, this guide delivers the exact button combinations, timing, and verification steps to revive your unit. No special tools, no guesswork—just proven procedures that clear fault codes and restore full functionality.
Ignoring these resets risks permanent damage to your lithium-ion cells. Worse, dealers often charge $50+ for “reprogramming” when you could fix it yourself with 30 seconds of precise button presses. Below, you’ll learn why your unit failed, how to perform model-specific resets that actually work, and crucial post-reset checks to prevent future breakdowns. Let’s get your jump starter—and your vehicle—back in action.
Why Your Type S Jump Starter Suddenly Failed
Lithium-ion jump starters like Type S models trigger automatic safety locks when they detect electrical threats. These aren’t random malfunctions—they’re deliberate shutdowns protecting your $150+ device from destruction. The most common culprits? Reverse polarity during jump-starting (clamps on wrong terminals), short circuits from frayed cables, or overheating in direct summer sun. When any of these occur, the Battery Management System (BMS) cuts power and flashes specific LED patterns as diagnostic codes.
Crucially, a soft reset won’t work if the unit shows alternating red/blue LEDs—that indicates a deep battery fault requiring a 48-hour hard reset. Similarly, if your Gen-2 Wireless model ignores Qi charging, it’s not the coil’s fault; the wireless pairing protocol needs recalibration. Understanding these triggers prevents wasted effort on ineffective fixes.
Reverse Polarity Locked Your Unit? Here’s How to Fix It
If you accidentally connected clamps backward (red to negative, black to positive), your Type S instantly locks out to prevent explosions. You’ll see solid red LED + one beep. Don’t panic—this is the easiest fault to resolve:
– Disconnect ALL cables immediately
– Perform a soft reset (detailed below)
– Wait 5 minutes before attempting another jump
– Never skip polarity checks: Red clamp always goes to dead battery’s positive (+) terminal
Overheating Shutdowns: Cool Down Before Resetting
Leaving your jump starter on a scorching dashboard (>140°F) triggers flashing red LED + two beeps. Forcing a reset now risks thermal runaway. Instead:
1. Move the unit to a shaded, cool area (under 85°F)
2. Wait 10 full minutes for internal temps to normalize
3. Only then perform a soft reset
4. Store future units in glove compartments—not trunks or dashboards
Clear 90% of Glitches With This 60-Second Power Cycle
This universal soft reset works on every Type S lithium model (6K, 12K, 20K Pro, Solar 10K, Gen-2 Wireless) and resolves over-current flags, frozen fuel gauges, and reverse-polarity locks. It takes 60 seconds but requires precise timing—deviate by 5 seconds and it fails.
Step-by-Step Soft Reset Procedure
- Unplug everything: Remove jumper clamps, USB cables, and wall chargers. Critical: Any connected load blocks the reset.
- Press and hold Power for exactly 30 seconds (45 seconds for pre-2020 models). Watch the LEDs—they’ll flash rapidly, then go dark. Keep holding until LEDs die completely.
- Release and wait 2 minutes: This discharges residual power in the microcontroller. Skipping this step causes immediate re-locking.
- Tap Power once: Normal battery-status LEDs (25%/50%/75%/100%) should illuminate.
- Verify success: Plug in a USB device. If it charges, the output circuit is restored.
Pro Tip: For stubborn units, hold Power 5 seconds past LED extinction. Early-model 6K units often need this extra time.
When Soft Reset Fails: Hard Reset for Deep Battery Faults
If your Type S shows alternating red/blue LEDs or stays completely dark after charging, the lithium cells dropped below safe voltage (2.5V/cell). A soft reset can’t fix this—only a hard reset followed by slow recharging works. Never short the clamps to “jumpstart” the jump starter; this permanently damages cells.
How to Perform a Safe Hard Reset
- Discharge completely: Attach a small USB fan until the unit shuts down automatically (no LEDs). Do not force discharge with metal tools.
- Store unpowered for 48 hours: Place in a cool, dry spot (70°F ideal). This lets the BMS fully reset.
- Recharge SLOWLY: Use ONLY the OEM wall adapter for 5+ hours (8+ for 20K models). Fast chargers won’t restore cell balance.
- Wake the unit: Press Power twice after charging.
Warning: If the unit still shows zero response after 48 hours, the battery is unrecoverable. Contact Type S support with your serial number (inside DC-input flap).
Model-Specific Reset Codes That Actually Work
Generic advice fails because each Type S model has unique button combinations. Use these exact sequences:
Fix Type S 6K Compact’s Flashing Red Light
The pocket-sized 6K locks frequently after jump-starting small engines. When LEDs won’t stabilize:
– Hold Power + Flashlight buttons 15 seconds
– Watch for the LED chase sequence (left-to-right twice)
– Release when LEDs show current charge level
– Critical: If flashlight stays on post-reset, press its button once—it’s normal behavior
Restore 12K/20K Pro LCD Display Errors
These pro models show “E01” or blank screens when BMS glitches occur:
– Press Power + Boost buttons 20 seconds
– The display will blank, then flash “rst” for 2 seconds
– Wait until percentage display returns (30+ seconds) before reconnecting clamps
– Never disconnect during reboot—this corrupts firmware
Re-Pair Your Gen-2 Wireless Charging Pad
When phones won’t charge on the pad:
– Long-press Power + Wireless Enable 25 seconds
– Place any Qi phone on the pad until status LED turns solid blue (not flashing)
– Remove thick phone cases—they block induction coils
Solar 10K Hybrid Sunlight Recalibration
After resetting solar models:
– Press Power + Solar Check 30 seconds (unit MUST be disconnected)
– Immediately place in direct sunlight 10 minutes
– Solar input LED will blink, then glow steady—calibration complete
– Never skip sunlight step: Without it, solar charging stays disabled
Decode LED Error Patterns in 10 Seconds
Stop guessing what flashing lights mean. This cheat sheet matches patterns to fixes:
| LED Behavior | What It Means | Your Exact Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Solid red + 1 beep | Reverse polarity | Soft reset + polarity check |
| Flashing red + 2 beeps | Overheating | Cool 10 min + soft reset |
| Flashing red + 3 beeps | Short circuit | Inspect cables + soft reset |
| Alternating red/blue | Cell imbalance | Hard reset + 5h slow charge |
| All LEDs off after charging | Deep discharge | Hard reset + OEM adapter |
Key Insight: If LEDs flash but unit won’t crank, charge to 75%+ before testing. Low-voltage locks activate below 20% capacity.
Post-Reset Maintenance That Prevents Future Failures
Resetting isn’t the finish line—these steps ensure longevity:
– Always charge to 100% after resetting before storage
– Perform a load test within 7 days: Start a healthy vehicle for 5 seconds to verify peak current delivery
– Store at 65% charge (3 LEDs on 4-LED gauge)—full discharge or 100% storage degrades cells
– Recalibrate monthly: Do a full discharge/charge cycle if gauge accuracy drifts
Critical Storage Tip: Keep your Type S in the glove compartment, not the trunk. Temperatures below 14°F trigger false low-battery locks in lithium units.
Still Not Working? 4-Step Emergency Flowchart
- No lights at all? → Charge 1 hour → soft reset → hard reset → call support
- Powers on but won’t jump? → Check clamp polarity → soft reset → confirm 50%+ charge → retry
- Cycles on/off? → Hard reset + 8-hour charge → test
- Wireless pad dead? → Reset wireless model → remove phone case → re-pair
Support Lifeline: Call 1-855-MyTypeS (1-855-698-7377) or email support@type-s.com. Always quote your serial number (under DC flap) and the reset steps you’ve tried—this speeds up RMA approval. Remember: resets never void your 18-month warranty.
A properly reset Type S jump starter should deliver full cranking power for 3+ years. By mastering these sequences, you’ve transformed from a stranded driver into your own roadside rescue expert. Now go conquer that dead battery—and keep this guide bookmarked for your next roadside emergency.
