1. Gather Supplies:
* Jumper cables: Make sure they're in good condition, with clean clamps. Cheap cables can be dangerous.
* A working vehicle: This vehicle needs to be running while you jump-start the Impala.
2. Safety First:
* Park both vehicles on a level surface: This prevents accidental rolling.
* Turn off both vehicles: Do not attempt to jump-start with either car running.
* Engage parking brakes: On both vehicles.
* Locate batteries: The Impala's battery is typically located in the engine compartment. The other car's battery location varies.
* Wear safety glasses: Battery acid is corrosive.
3. Connect the Jumper Cables:
The order is crucial. Remember POSITIVE (+) to POSITIVE (+), NEGATIVE (-) to NEGATIVE (-). Incorrect connection can cause sparks and damage electronics.
* RED (Positive): Connect one red clamp to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the *dead* Impala's battery.
* RED (Positive): Connect the other red clamp to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the *good* car's battery.
* BLACK (Negative): Connect one black clamp to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the *good* car's battery.
* BLACK (Negative): Connect the other black clamp to an UNPAINTED METAL SURFACE on the *dead* Impala's engine block or chassis. Do NOT connect the black clamp directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This helps prevent sparks near the battery.
4. Start the Jump:
* Start the *good* car: Let it run for a minute or two to charge the dead battery.
* Attempt to start the *dead* Impala: Don't crank it for extended periods. Try for a few seconds, then pause briefly if it doesn't start immediately.
5. Disconnect the Jumper Cables:
* Reverse the order of connection:
* Remove the black clamp from the Impala's engine block/chassis.
* Remove the black clamp from the good car's negative terminal.
* Remove the red clamp from the good car's positive terminal.
* Remove the red clamp from the Impala's positive terminal.
6. Let the Impala Run:
Let the Impala run for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the battery to recharge. Driving for a while after jump-starting is recommended to fully recharge the battery.
Important Considerations:
* Battery condition: If your Impala's battery is very old or damaged, jump-starting might not be enough. You may need a new battery.
* Alternator: If the Impala's battery keeps dying after jump-starting, it could be a problem with the alternator. Get it checked by a mechanic.
* Corroded Terminals: If the battery terminals are heavily corroded, clean them before connecting the jumper cables. A wire brush and baking soda solution can help.
If you are unsure about any of these steps, it's best to call a roadside assistance service or a mechanic. Working with car batteries involves risks, so prioritize safety.
