** Car won't start - Battery Help**

If you don't know how to tell which terminal is positive I'd suggest having someone who does hook up the charger.

 

Do you know where the battery is located?

OK, so after you remove the passenger foot panel (Two screws under the carpet along the top half of the panel) you'll be able to see the battery.

From there the post on the right is the positive terminal.

The general consensus is to charge the battery & not jump start it.

If unsure of it's condition you can remove the battery & have it tested at most auto stores or tire shops that sell batteries

 

You may know this but in any case.. follow the correct procedure to jump a battery. Don't shortcut it. When a battery is charging, it is emitting hydrogen gas. When you disconnect the first connection on the battery being charged, if the connection is near the battery, you can cause a spark that ignites the hydrogen and the whole thing can explode in your face. Additionally, if you overcharge a battery it can explode and most batteries (lead acid) are full of acid.

The correct procedure to jump is here:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Automobile_Repair/Jump_start

and read this:

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2617/is-it-dangerous-to-jump-start-a-dead-battery

When you connect to the frame/ground, connect away from the battery and do not be looking in the direction of the battery when you disconnect.

Here's what happens to a charging battery when you have a spark:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgfwH6zRmRA[/ame]

Batteries are supposed to have venting tube to vent battery gas away from the car (usually down under it). Check for that before you charge as well. Try not to connect near the end of that tube, either.

 

Sorry if this sounds mean, but I have to say again.... if you don't know how to hook up a battery charger get someone who does to do it for you.

Short of that since you seem set on doing this yourself..... Red clamp on red/positive terminal and black clamp on black/negative terminal.... then plug the charger in. Might want to make sure if it has a voltage switch that is set to 12v before plugging it in too.