shut down

Wife was cleaning her 2000 Montana today. She had the key in the run position to listen to the radio. I'm guessing it was that way for about an hour and a hlf maybe two.

the radio started to get a lot of static the just shut off. when she tried to start the vehicle nothing happens. I turned it off, took out the key and waited a few minutes then put key in.

I get a few chimes, but when I turn the key, nothing happens. none of the lights in the dash come on like it used to like it's going thru a system check. The starter does nothing. No radio or anything.

I told her leaving the key in run without the car running is not good. any ideas what happened?

Your battery is nearly dead. Find someone to give you a boost with jumper cables. the AAA or any tow truck can do this for you.

The RUN position consumes quite a lot of electrical power because it energizes the ignition system, ECM etc, but if the engine is not running, it will not recharge itself.

Next time, use the ACCESSORY position for the ignition key, which allows you to use the radio without the large electrical draw of the ignition system.

DUH!!!

I didn't realize that it would have drained the battery that fast. I'm not too fond or these newer cars with all the electronics. I prefer 60's and 70's models myself. Mostly because I don't need a college degree to work on them. LOL

Thanks Magic, all is well again.

You are welcome.