Electrical System

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Oct 27, 2010 | 08:06 AM

Kip

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Electrical System

My 2004 Vanden Plas has been sitting idle for several months. Foolishly, I forgot to disconnect the battery. It took quite an effort to get in running with a jump, but then the electrical system seemed quite confused; flashing lights, confusing computer messages etc., and then it would shut the car down if the radio -- or some other system -- was turned on.

What to do?

Oct 27, 2010 | 08:38 AM

test point

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Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 5,390

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From: Ellijay

First thought is that the battery is done for. If you can keep it running stop by an auto parts store for a free test, if not take the battery out and take it in for tests.

Oct 27, 2010 | 08:54 AM

MidlifeXJR

Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 590

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From: Snohomish, WA

It is the battery, you are experiencing the documented gremlins of low voltage. If you don't have a charger... get one, take it in to an auto parts store and have the battery tested. They will determine if a charge is all you need or if your battery needs replacing.

Get that taken care of and besides having to reset all your settings, fob, seat memory, radio settings, etc., everything should be back to normal.

Oct 27, 2010 | 10:58 AM

JimmyL

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Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,834

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From: Virginia Beach, VA

Battery

I have had things like that happen to me due to low battery / bad ground. Chimes going off, TRAC/ASC Unavailable, seat and steering wheel moving. It's really weird. I'd check and clean up the grounds and power posts too.