Before doing anything else, check the electrolyte leve in the battery. If it is
not visible, the battery is most likely dead because by the time a battery has no
visible electrolyte th plates are grounded internally or in bad shape.

If electrolyte is visible, clean your terminal posts on the battery until bright
shiny metal showes. Do the same on the cable terminals, charge the battery, and
hope for the best.

If that doesn't work, you will need a new battery.

Good luck,

John Rodgers
88GL driver

John Rainey wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> I dont post much usually just read everyone else's posts. But now i need your
> help.
> Yesterday i was driving along and all the sudden the vanagon went dead. I
> tried to jump it and that still did nothing for it. Also i did check the
> batteries voltage and it was at 12 then declined slightly to 11. Then tried
> to start the van and it went to 4 volts. So my question is do i need a
> battery or a new altenator????? Thanks!
>
> peace and love,
>
> John