1. Gather Your Supplies:
* Jumper cables: Make sure they're heavy-duty and in good condition. Thin cables can overheat and cause damage.
* A running vehicle: This will be your power source. Ensure it's completely turned off except for the ignition.
* Safety Glasses (Optional but Recommended): Protect your eyes from sparks.
* Gloves (Optional): Protect your hands from battery acid.
2. Preparation:
* Park both vehicles: Park the running vehicle close enough to reach the Equinox's battery with the cables but far enough apart to prevent them from touching. Ensure both vehicles are on level ground and their parking brakes are engaged.
* Locate batteries: The Equinox's battery is typically located in the engine compartment, but consult your owner's manual to be certain. The running vehicle's battery location will vary.
* Turn off all accessories: Turn off the radio, headlights, and any other electrical devices in both vehicles.
3. Connecting the Jumper Cables:
This is the crucial step, and the order is important to avoid sparks near explosive gases. Remember Positive (+) to Positive (+), Negative (-) to Negative (-), or you risk damaging the electronic systems.
* Positive (+) Connection: Connect one red clamp of the jumper cables to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the dead Equinox battery. This terminal is usually marked with a "+" sign or red.
* Positive (+) Connection: Connect the other red clamp to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the running vehicle's battery.
* Negative (-) Connection: Connect one black clamp to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the running vehicle's battery. This terminal is usually marked with a "-" sign or black.
* Negative (-) Connection (Important): Connect the other black clamp to a unpainted metal surface on the Equinox's engine block or chassis, *away from the battery*. Never connect the negative cable directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This helps to avoid sparks near flammable battery gases.
4. Starting the Equinox:
* Start the running vehicle: Let it run for a few minutes to allow the battery to charge.
* Attempt to start the Equinox: Try starting the Equinox. If it doesn't start immediately, let the running vehicle run for a few more minutes before trying again.
5. Disconnecting the Jumper Cables:
* Turn off the Equinox: Once the Equinox starts, let it run for a few minutes.
* Disconnect the cables in the reverse order: Remove the black clamp from the Equinox's chassis, then the black clamp from the running vehicle's battery. Next, remove the red clamp from the running vehicle's battery, and finally, the red clamp from the Equinox's battery.
6. Important Considerations:
* Battery Acid: Be careful not to spill battery acid on your skin or clothing. If this happens, immediately flush the area with plenty of water.
* Hydrogen Gas: Car batteries produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Avoid sparks near the battery.
* If the car doesn't start: If the Equinox still won't start after several attempts, there may be a more serious problem than a dead battery. You may need to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic.
Always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions regarding your vehicle's battery location and jump-starting procedures. If you're unsure about any step, it's best to call a roadside assistance service or a qualified mechanic.
