What to Do When a Malibu Car Runs Out of Battery?
2 Answers
When a Malibu car runs out of battery, the only solutions are to replace the battery, recharge the battery, or jump-start the vehicle using another car. Below are the steps to charge a car battery: 1. Prepare a set of jumper cables, which can be purchased at most auto parts stores. 2. Connect one end of the cable clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery, and the other clamp to the positive terminal of the rescue car's battery. (Be careful not to reverse this order to prevent a short circuit.) 3. Use another cable to connect one clamp to the negative terminal of the rescue car's battery and the other end to a metal part of the engine in the dead car (i.e., grounding). 4. After connecting the jumper cables, start the rescue car's engine and slightly increase the engine speed. After about 5 minutes, the emergency charging for the dead car will be completed. 5. Once charging is finished, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order of how they were connected.
Last time my Malibu ran out of battery, so I quickly found a friend to help jump-start it. Using jumper cables, connect the red clamp to the positive terminal of his car and the positive terminal of my car, and the black clamp to the negative terminal of his car and a metal part of my car's engine—make sure not to mix them up. Start his car engine for a few minutes, then try starting mine, and it should run. After starting, drive for at least half an hour to recharge the battery, and don't turn off the engine too soon. The Malibu's battery is located on the right side of the engine compartment, and the cover is easy to remove for inspection. Regularly check the electrolyte level and terminal corrosion to prevent battery drain. Typically, car batteries should be replaced every three years. Older cars or those in winter are more prone to battery issues. Common causes include leaving lights on or using too many electrical devices like the air conditioner. Keeping an emergency kit in the car with jumper cables makes things much easier. I often handle it this way—it's both convenient and safe.
