It seems my ‘03 EV is giving me more problems than the ‘83 Vanagon this summer. I apologize for the off topic post but this list has the most amount of competent “diagnosers” than any other. Please respond off-list.

Here’s the story: A power sucking item was left on in the van for over 2 weeks.  The battery was obviously dead.  It would not jump start from a jumper pack or even a 100 amp starter/charger box.  I then charged the battery and it seemed to take a full charge.  At first it would not start so I just held the key in the start position for a second or two then it started.  It did this all day.  It kinda felt like an ignition switch issue as these vans get those and it has 120K miles on it.   I picked one up since they are cheap enough.  Before I put it in yesterday the van would not start at all, even after I charged the battery and tried combinations of jump starting, etc.  I changed the ignition switch, same problem.

I know the only thing that could have changed in the original scenario is the battery.  The voltage is at 12.9 when sitting. I would think it would at least start with the 100 am booster or a jump from a good battery.  Now, at this point I cannot take it to someone and have them test the battery.  That would be a $100 tow.  I’d rather go buy the $100 battery and have something to say for my money.  If anyone thinks it could still be the battery I will go get a new one to cross that out of the equation.

I am still hoping to resolve this without a tow and a high repair bill for diagnosing and repairing this.  If there are any other thoughts on what else could be wrong that I could check I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Bryan