1. Safety First:
* Turn off both cars: Make sure both the dead battery car (your Buick) and the good battery car are turned OFF.
* Park on a level surface: This prevents rolling.
* Engage parking brakes: On both cars.
* Wear safety glasses: Battery acid can splash.
* Gloves are recommended: To protect your hands.
* Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.
2. Gather your materials:
* Jumper cables: Heavy-duty cables are recommended. Check for any damage to the cables before use.
3. Connecting the Jumper Cables:
The order is crucial. Remember POSITIVE to POSITIVE, NEGATIVE to NEGATIVE. Many people use the mnemonic POS-POS, NEG-NEG
* Positive (+) connections: Connect one red clamp to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the dead battery (Buick). Connect the other red clamp to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the good battery.
* Negative (-) connections: Connect one black clamp to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the *good* battery. Connect the *other* black clamp to a bare, unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the dead battery car (Buick). Do NOT connect the black clamp directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery – this can cause a spark near the battery which is dangerous.
4. Starting the Car:
* Start the good car: Let it run for a minute or two to charge the dead battery.
* Start the Buick: Attempt to start the Buick. If it doesn't start immediately, try again after a few more minutes of charging.
5. Disconnecting the Jumper Cables:
* Turn off both cars.
* Disconnect the cables in the reverse order you connected them: Remove the black clamp from the Buick engine block, then the black clamp from the good battery's negative terminal. Remove the red clamp from the good battery's positive terminal, then the red clamp from the Buick's positive terminal.
Important Considerations:
* Battery type: If your Buick has an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery, you might need specific jump starting procedures. Consult your owner's manual for details as AGM batteries are more sensitive.
* If it doesn't start: If the Buick still won't start after trying these steps, the problem may be more serious than a dead battery. You may need to have it towed to a mechanic.
* Charging the battery: After jump-starting, let the Buick run for at least 30 minutes to recharge the battery. Consider having the battery tested and possibly replaced if it continues to die quickly.
If you are unsure about any part of this process, it's best to call a roadside assistance service or a mechanic. Incorrectly connecting jumper cables can damage your car's electrical system.
