1. Safety First:
* Turn off both vehicles: Make sure both the Buick and the "donor" vehicle's engines are completely off.
* Park on a level surface: Ensure both vehicles are on a firm, level surface and are not touching each other.
* Engage parking brakes: Set the parking brakes on both vehicles.
* Wear safety glasses: This protects your eyes from sparks or battery acid splashes.
* Gloves are recommended: Battery acid can burn your skin.
2. Identifying Terminals:
* Positive (+) terminal: This is usually marked with a "+" sign, and is often larger than the negative terminal. It may also have a red cover.
* Negative (-) terminal: This is usually marked with a "-" sign, and may have a black cover.
3. Connecting the Cables:
* RED (Positive) cable first: Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the *dead* Buick's battery.
* Other end of RED (Positive): Connect the other end of the red cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the *good* vehicle's battery.
* BLACK (Negative) cable: Connect one end of the black jumper cable to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the *good* vehicle's battery.
* Other end of BLACK (Negative): Connect the other end of the black cable to an UNPAINTED METAL SURFACE on the *dead* Buick's engine block or chassis. Do NOT connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery; this can cause a spark near the battery, which is dangerous. Connecting to the engine block is safer.
4. Starting the Vehicle:
* Start the donor vehicle: Let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
* Start the Buick: Attempt to start the Buick.
5. Disconnecting the Cables:
* Disconnect cables in reverse order: First, remove the black cable from the Buick's engine block, then remove it from the good vehicle's negative terminal. Next, remove the red cable from the good vehicle's positive terminal, and finally, remove the red cable from the Buick's positive terminal.
Important Considerations:
* Dead battery: If your battery is completely dead, this process may not work. You may need to jump start it for longer, or the battery may need replacing.
* Low battery: If the donor vehicle's battery is also low, it may not have enough power to jump start the Buick effectively.
* Corrosion: If the battery terminals are corroded, clean them before connecting the jumper cables. A wire brush or baking soda and water paste can help.
If you are unsure about any step, it's best to consult a mechanic or roadside assistance service. Incorrectly connecting jumper cables can lead to damage to your vehicle's electrical system or even injury.
