Good suggestions, and I will check the grounding straps both places. Do you know off-hand where the engine block strap or starter strap ties to the chassis?

I really doubt the battery is bad -- it's only about a year old, and is generally kept on a Battery Tender during periods of non-use. I will admit that (thanks, Dad) the battery had been off the tender for about a month prior to this issue.

However, the charger I was using was not the tender -- it was a 10-amp charger with a 50-amp starter boost option. I've used this same unit before to bring back batteries I thought were "too far gone."

Even if the battery was shot, I would expect the interior lights to come on and the windows to function with 10A going into the electrical system. Instead, I've got nothing at all. Worrisome at best... Thanks -- will check and get back, and other ideas will also be appreciated.

Cheers, John

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'98 E300TD (W210) | Sold 6/09 with 205k and counting
'04 VW Touareg V10TDI