2000 Q45t Dead

[ecritter]

I've searched the forums and found some similar issues but none exactly like this.

The battery was drained overnight because of an interior light left on. I attempted to jump the battery but as soon as I made all the connections the alarm sounded. I wasn't expecting this so I didn't get it disarmed before the car went dead. Before going dead, all other accessories came on. Now, nothing works. I can't get anything when I try to jump it as I did before. When I have the jumper cables connected, nothing works. Also, I can't shift out of park even when using the shift lock release.

I have a sneaking suspision that this has something to do with the anti-theft system but I'm not sure. Any ideas would be appreciated.

eCritter...

[maxnix]

Might have fried the ECU. Best to charge the battery while disconnected from the car.

[bullittandy]

Might have fried the ECU. Best to charge the battery while disconnected from the car.

Don't scare the guy.

There is a high amp fuse on your positive battery cable, right next to the battery, it is likely blown.

Depending on how old your battery is, you should probably just replace it. A new battery can take a couple of discharges (although its not good for them) but an old battery will be killed by a single overnight discharge like yours.

Good luck and make sure to report back with the solution so that future seacrhers find this post and answer.

[Q45tech]

Very common for Master Fuse to pop to try to protect system when battery is jumped backwards........................hopefully not too much is damaged.

Most systems have a diode that protects against reversals.

[ecritter]

Thanks for the advice.

I checked the fuse and it's fine. The battery didn't want to take a charge (assuming the charger I used is functioning) so I'm off to get a new battery.

[maxnix]

Old dying batteries kill more alternators than anything other than alternator non-maintenance.

[ecritter]

Good news. The battery seems to have been the problem.

I still don't understand why it worked for two jump attempts and then went dead. Oh well. I'm just glad it's running.

Again, thanks for all your help!!

eCritter