Accidentally turned it off with the transmission in drive, will not start?

Tiny
BCARR82981
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 174,000 MILES
I have the van listed above. Last night when I got home I accidentally shut it off with the transmission in drive, turned it back to accessory and put it in park. Today I went to drive it and it wouldn't start, no power at all, no lights, seems like a completely dead battery but I don't see how. When trying to start the key locks in the switch and won't come out for a bit then it clicks a few times and releases the key.
Monday, March 4th, 2024 AT 5:46 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,912 POSTS
Before you go any further, what you're describing has been very common on all car brands. Look for the red, positive battery cable under the hood. There will be two cables on the cable clamp. Follow the smaller diameter cable to the under-hood fuse box. Clean and / or tighten that nut. That's the most common cause of this.

If that doesn't solve the problem, look at the black, negative cables. Follow the smaller wire to the body sheet metal and be sure that connection is tight and not rusty.

Most of the time people are surprised to find the entire electrical system has started working again hours later. With that loose or dirty connection at the fuse box, the problem will act up again, sooner or later.

If this doesn't solve the problem, you'll need a test light or a voltmeter so we can continue on. If you need it, here's links to articles that show how to use them:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

I can recommend very nice inexpensive versions of these tools from places like Harbor Freight Tools or any hardware store.

Loose cable clamps on the battery can do this too, but I prefer to find this first with a couple of simple voltage readings. That way I know for sure I found the defect. Let me know what you find.
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Monday, March 4th, 2024 AT 6:12 PM

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