So,
I start off like a normal day. I head out to driveway to go to office, I get in my 2007 Lmt. with hemi about 60000 miles all original. Well I turn key and a slight thump and nothing,no crank no click nada.......So I pop the hood check the battery and positive terminal slightly loose. I tighten it after cleaning both. Hop in and again nada, but I notice my dash is spazzing out tach and speedo are bouncing around like mexican jumping beans. interior lights are lighting, bunch of idiot lights are on but I do get a click on start try,,check engine light is on and the ETC light.Battery is putting out 12 plus volts, and I get no codes...

I am an old points and carb guy so I am a tad lost..

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Sounds like a short but that could be the battery connection.

I would pull the battery terminals and clean both the cables and the posts very good. Then retighten completely.

Not sure that the 2007 had the dash failure issues the earlier years did (and were recalled) however now would be about the time in age that the issue would start showing up.

IndyDurango

 

Putting out voltage doesn't necessarily mean the battery is still good, although it does usually point in that direction. They usually last past 60k, but not always.

Only way to make 100% certain is to have it tested at an auto parts store or shop (auto parts stores do it for free). I would also call a $tealership and give them your VIN, check for recalls as Indy suggested.

 

2X with both IndyDurango and jasonw.

 

Jeep,

If you PM me your VIN I can check for any recalls and TBS's on your vehicle.

 

yea i need to get the battery load tested.... all terminals are clean and tight.. i did notice the battery was in need of water and while adding it actually released some smoke it seemed from heat or steam with a battery acid smell, might have fried a few cells.... hope so as i broke my hand over the weekend and its a P.I.A. trying to do work on truck.

 

If that is a maintenance free battery, like most automotive ones are these days, you should not open it for any reason, not even to add water. They are called maintenance free for a reason.

 

You ever seen one of those big red buttons on a wall with giant letters that say "DO NOT PUSH" ?
Ever wonder what those buttons do?
Just out of curiosity, why would they make a battery maintenance free in title and then make easily accessible holes on the top of the battery with a plastic cap that says "pull here to access cells". Reminds me of those big red buttons in buildings.

Did you test each cell with a battery hydrometer? That is more reliable than a volt meter.

 

@Emerald ........couldn`t agree more.... if they were not to be opened then there would not be access!!!!!

 

Total idiocy. Maintenance free with access to add water.