1. Safety First:
* Turn off both cars: Ensure both the Bonneville and the jump car are completely turned off.
* Gather your materials: You'll need jumper cables with insulated clamps.
* Parking: Park the jump car close enough to reach the Bonneville's battery with the cables, but far enough that the cars don't touch. Ensure both cars are on level ground and the parking brake is engaged in both vehicles.
* Protection: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sparks.
2. Locating the Battery:
The Bonneville's battery is typically located in the engine compartment. Open the hood and locate the battery. It's usually a black rectangular box with red (+) and black (-) terminals.
3. Connecting the Jumper Cables:
This is crucial. Connect the cables in the correct order to avoid sparks and potential damage to electronics:
* Positive (+) to Positive (+): Connect one red clamp of the jumper cables to the positive (+) terminal of the dead Bonneville battery.
* Positive (+) to Positive (+): Connect the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the jump car's battery.
* Negative (-) to Ground (-): Connect one black clamp to a good, unpainted metal surface on the Bonneville's engine block or chassis. Do NOT connect it directly to the negative (-) terminal of the dead battery. This is to avoid sparks near the battery.
* Negative (-) to Negative (-): Connect the other black clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the jump car's battery.
4. Starting the Car:
* Start the jump car: Let it run for a few minutes to build up a good charge.
* Attempt to start the Bonneville: Try to start the Bonneville. If it doesn't start immediately, let the jump car run for a few more minutes before trying again.
5. Disconnecting the Jumper Cables:
* Turn off the jump car.
* Disconnect the cables in the reverse order you connected them:
* Negative (-) clamp from the jump car's battery.
* Negative (-) clamp from the Bonneville's engine block or chassis.
* Positive (+) clamp from the jump car's battery.
* Positive (+) clamp from the Bonneville's battery.
6. After the Jump:
Let the Bonneville run for at least 30 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. If the battery continues to die quickly, it may need to be replaced or tested for problems.
Important Considerations:
* Corroded Terminals: If the battery terminals are corroded, clean them with a wire brush or terminal cleaner before connecting the jumper cables.
* Battery Type: While the process is generally the same, some modern cars have different battery locations or safety features. If you are unsure, consult your owner's manual.
* Seek Help: If you're uncomfortable performing this procedure yourself, seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or roadside assistance service.
Remember, safety is paramount. Incorrectly connecting the jumper cables can lead to sparks, battery damage, or even injury. If you're not confident, it's best to call for help.
