Ok, today I went out to start the van, wouldn't start, did not even try to turn over, I pressed the brake a couple of times and moved the gear shift from park and then back, the van started. Then the gauges (speed, temp and gas) went all the way down, then back to normal. The indicator lights on the AC was flashing (AC worked fine). Against my better judgement, I went ahead and drove the van to work. While I was driving it, it acted like it wanted to shut off, this happened twice. I turned off the radio and the AC. While I was s topped at the traffic light, I could hear what sounded like the AC compressor kicking on, then off (remember the AC is off). When I get my destination, I turn the van off, then try to crank it, nothing. No electrical was working. I heard a loud and fast clicking sound that sounded like it was coming from under the drivers dash. I pushed the brakes, but the brakes were hard and would not push. I tried the gear shift and could not get it out of park. I pushed the brakes again and this time they went down, but as they were coming up, I heard air coming from the AC air vents. I did this several times and got the same thing. Then the clicking sound started again and this time it started when the van was off and the keys were out of the ignition. When I pressed the brakes, the clicking would stop.
What could be the issue with this van? As of right now, It will not start, none of the electrical (cluster panel lights, mileage indicator, nothing) is coming on when the key is in the opne position. Please help.
Update:I went out and tried to crank it again. It cranked right up. AC lights still flashing though.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
A good place to start would be the battery. Some times batteries will get corrosion on the posts and cause issues like you are stating above. I had a Cavalier I was working on one time that the owner said was doing the same thing. I tried everything (at their request) and come to find out it was a simple as corrosion on the battery. I cleanedd the posts, put a good charge on it, and it started right up. That being said, I was repairing a Toyota Corolla that was doing the same thing. I tried the battery trick with no change. After some futher diagnosis I found that a relay (runs the ignition) was bad, I replaced it and it ran fine. There are places, Autozone, being one that will plug your vehicle into a rather cheap dianostic tool. Some times, however, this will tell you your issue. Start with the battery, if that doesn't do it get back on here and let me know and I'll try to tell you where to go from there. Oh, the reason corroded terminals will do this (flickering on and off) is because the power gets cut off and on during driving. If the issues was happening while you were driving too, you may have a bad alternator. If you have someone who is a decent mechanic they can take the battery and alternator to O'Reilly or some other auto parts store and have them tested for free.
it sound like the battery has gone bad try replacing battery.
hope this helps