1. Safety First:
* Park on a level surface: This prevents the cars from rolling.
* Turn off both vehicles: Engines should be completely off.
* Engage parking brakes: On both vehicles.
* Locate batteries: The Grand Prix's battery is typically located in the engine compartment, but consult your owner's manual if you're unsure. The other car's battery location may vary.
* Wear safety glasses: Battery acid is corrosive.
* Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation, as battery fumes are harmful.
2. Gather Supplies:
* Jumper cables: Heavy-duty cables are recommended. Make sure they are in good condition with no frayed wires.
3. Connect the Jumper Cables:
The order is crucial to prevent sparks and damage to electronics. Remember positive (+) to positive (+), negative (-) to negative (-).
* Red (+) clamp: Connect to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the *dead* Grand Prix battery.
* Red (+) clamp: Connect to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the *good* car's battery.
* Black (-) clamp: Connect to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the *good* car's battery.
* Black (-) clamp: Connect to an UNPAINTED metal surface on the *dead* Grand Prix's engine block or chassis. Do NOT connect it directly to the negative (-) battery terminal of the dead car. This helps avoid sparks near the battery, which could ignite flammable gases.
4. Start the Good Car:
Let the good car run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
5. Start the Grand Prix:
Try to start the Grand Prix. If it doesn't start immediately, let the good car run for a few more minutes before trying again.
6. Disconnect the Jumper Cables:
* Reverse the order of connection: Disconnect the black clamp from the Grand Prix's chassis, then the black clamp from the good car's battery. Then remove the red clamp from the good car's battery, and finally the red clamp from the Grand Prix's battery.
7. Let the Grand Prix Run:
Let the Grand Prix run for at least 30 minutes to allow the battery to charge. Driving it for a while is even better.
Important Considerations:
* Battery type: If your Grand Prix has a maintenance-free battery, you should still be able to jump-start it using this method.
* Automatic transmissions: If your Grand Prix has an automatic transmission, ensure it's in Park (P) before attempting to start it.
* If it doesn't start: If the Grand Prix still won't start after jump-starting, there might be a more serious problem that requires professional attention (starter motor, alternator, etc.).
If you are at all uncomfortable performing this procedure, call a roadside assistance service or a local mechanic. It's better to be safe than sorry.
