To jump start a Chevrolet Cobalt (or any car), you need:
1. Jumper cables: Heavy-duty cables are recommended.
2. Another car with a working battery: This car will provide the power to jump start your Cobalt.
3. Safety glasses (recommended): To protect your eyes from potential sparks.
Steps:
1. Park both cars close together but not touching: Make sure both cars are turned off.
2. Engage parking brakes on both cars: This is crucial for safety.
3. Locate the batteries: The Cobalt's battery is typically in the engine compartment, but it's best to check your owner's manual for the precise location. The positive (+) and negative (-) terminals will be clearly marked (usually red and black, respectively).
4. Connect the jumper cables:
* Positive to Positive: Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery (in your Cobalt).
* Positive to Positive: Connect the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery (in the other car).
* Negative to Ground: Connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
* Negative to Ground: Connect the other end of the black jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or chassis of the Cobalt (NOT the negative terminal of the dead battery). Connecting to the negative terminal of the dead battery last minimizes the risk of sparks near the battery.
5. Start the good car: Let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
6. Attempt to start the Cobalt: Try starting your Cobalt. If it doesn't start immediately, let the good car run for a few more minutes before trying again.
7. Disconnect the jumper cables: Disconnect the cables in the *reverse* order you connected them:
* Negative from the Cobalt's ground.
* Negative from the good car's negative terminal.
* Positive from the good car's positive terminal.
* Positive from the Cobalt's positive terminal.
8. Let the Cobalt run for at least 30 minutes: This allows the alternator to recharge the battery.
Important Safety Precautions:
* Never connect the positive and negative cables to each other. This could cause a short circuit and damage the batteries or even cause a fire.
* Be careful not to touch the metal clamps while the cables are connected. You could receive a shock.
* If you're unsure about any step, ask for help from someone who is familiar with jump starting a car.
If your Cobalt still won't start after jump starting, the problem may be more serious than a dead battery, and you should seek professional help from a mechanic.
