So I let my 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am sit for 2 weeks without running while doing some work on it that required me to keep my doors open; so now my battery is dead. All it does when I turn the key is make a ticking noise which I believe is the starter trying to start the car. How would I go about charging/jumping the battery? I has the factory side post battery terminals.

 

I prefer the traditional style charger like this with the start option (jumping) It comes with very basic instructions.= http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...art-60653.html
I prefer the trickle charge over a longer time period with a battery that has been drained to your extent as apposed to the rapid charge.
Its just a slower, deeper charge than rapid. The charger comes with all three settings.


Or you should be able to take it to your local auto parts store and have them charge for you. Usually costing nothing.


A charger like the one above is pretty much a necessity when working with any car.
Next time unhook the battery.
When you hook it back up you need to drive it for a while letting the ECM relearn / reset .

 

Also, batteries can be dangerous so don't play around with it.
When the terminals are hooked up and you go to use a wrench to remove them don't let the wrench touch any metal around them while doing it.
And don't let the terminals touch any metal when setting them aside/removing the battery . I wrap mine with either a rag or some rubber sheeting and a rubber band.
I always were a cool looking pair of safety glasses when I do it.


I'm not going to say just jump it with another car. That would be your call. There is a procedure when hooking the cables up from one car to the other.


Sounds like a lot to simply charge or change a battery but it needs to be done right. Anything that has the power to start a Chevy Small Block deserves respect.


Link to car to car jumping = http://www.wikihow.com/Jump-Start-a-Car