2000 is not starting..

I've been having a problem with my venture. I had it for the past 6 years. So heres the problem, it's either the vans battery is dead or its something else. All of a sudden the van won't start, so I called a tow trunk and he jump started the van. It lasted only until we got home, let it sit over night. The next day I try to start it, the ignition goes into the ON position just fine, jsut enough time to roll down the windows. Then when I try to turn it over to start, it does nothing nothing at all. So I try again and then all the electronics goes out. Tried to start it again, its a no go. So I'm thinking it is either my battery or my alternator. But I changed the stock battery about 3 or so years back. So, what could be the problem? Also where is the battery located? Is it under the Fuse box thats on the left side?

Thanks for your time
George

So, no one can help?

There are many things that can give your problem. first test your battery with a digital voltmeter. 12.66 volts is fully charged. 12.00 volts will not crank the engine. If you do not have test equipment, and know how to use them, you are shot down at the start. Good luck Bill

I'd take the battery out and let Wal-Mart check it. I'd bet it is bad. Only 3 years life isn't unheard of anymore.....

The battery is under the fuse box on the passenger's side. It's a little hard to remove, but not as bad as some vehicles.

Hope this helps, Glen

It could be either the alternator (not charging the battery) or the battery (not taking a charge), so you need to have one or both tested - pull the battery and have it tested, or pay a shop to test the whole system (shouldn't be more than $10 - $15) and then you'll know for sure. Here in Florida a battery that lasts 3 years was a good one!

Some parts store can test your battery or alternator for free, you just gotta get there.

well..it looks to me to be the battery, so how do i remove the battry? All i need to know is how to detach the battery from the cables and to move the fuse box out of the way to get to the battery.

another wierd this is that, when i go to close the hood or snap the hood prop in place my horn honks for som reason.

well it seems like it has more to do with the alarm then it does with the battery. because the alarm has a built in kill switch for the ignition and when it died before and the tow truck driver jumped it he messed with something. So now everything i make the fuse box touch the chassis it makes the horn honk or my alarm go off.

so, are there any grounds near that area that i should check? or is the fuse box grounded?