1. Gather Your Supplies:
* Jumper cables: Make sure they're heavy-duty and in good condition. Thin or damaged cables can overheat and cause sparks.
* A vehicle with a good battery: This is your "donor" vehicle. Ensure it's turned off.
* Safety glasses (recommended): Protect your eyes from potential sparks.
* Gloves (recommended): Protect your hands from battery acid.
2. Park the Vehicles:
* Park the donor vehicle close enough to the Montana so that the jumper cables can reach, but not touching. Turn off both vehicles. Engage the parking brakes on both vehicles.
* Important: Never let the vehicles touch.
3. Identify Battery Terminals:
* Locate the batteries in both vehicles. The Montana's battery is typically under the hood, but consult your owner's manual if you're unsure.
* Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. They're usually clearly marked.
4. Connect the Jumper Cables:
This is the crucial step. Do it in the correct order to avoid sparks and potential damage:
1. Positive to Positive: Connect one end of the red (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery (in the Montana).
2. Positive to Positive: Connect the other end of the red (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery (in the donor vehicle).
3. Negative to Ground: Connect one end of the black (-) jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the *good* battery.
4. Negative to Ground: Connect the other end of the black (-) jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or chassis of the Montana. Do NOT connect it directly to the negative (-) terminal of the dead battery. This minimizes the risk of sparks near flammable battery gases.
5. Start the Donor Vehicle:
Let the donor vehicle run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
6. Attempt to Start the Montana:
Try starting the Montana. If it starts, disconnect the cables in the reverse order of how you connected them.
7. Disconnect the Jumper Cables:
1. Negative to Ground (Montana): Remove the black (-) cable from the Montana's engine block/chassis.
2. Negative to Negative (Donor): Remove the black (-) cable from the donor vehicle's negative (-) terminal.
3. Positive to Positive (Donor): Remove the red (+) cable from the donor vehicle's positive (+) terminal.
4. Positive to Positive (Montana): Remove the red (+) cable from the Montana's positive (+) terminal.
8. Let the Montana Run:
Let the Montana run for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. Driving it for a while is even better.
Important Considerations:
* Battery Type: Ensure the batteries in both vehicles are the same type (lead-acid, AGM, etc.). Mixing types can lead to problems.
* Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area because car batteries produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
* Acid Spills: Be careful not to spill battery acid. If it does happen, neutralize it with baking soda and water.
* If the Montana doesn't start: The battery may be completely dead or there may be another issue with the vehicle's electrical system. In this case, you'll need to have the battery tested and potentially replaced.
If you're uncomfortable performing this procedure, it's always best to call a roadside assistance service or a mechanic. Improper jump-starting can damage your vehicle's electrical system.
