My son's Volvo was in the shop so I let him take the 95 E320 to school. He proceeded to leave the lights on and completely deplete the battery. The battery is some Econo-power off brand with a sticker that says new in 11/06. It's the right battery - just a cheap one.

I tried jumping it and got all lights on but nothing when the key is turned to start. Not even a click. So I pulled the battery and charged it over night. By 5:00 this morning it was reading over 75% charged so I went back to the car and hooked it up and it behaved exactly the same. No start, not even a click with the key in the start position.

The only clue I have is that the alarm light on the dash is flashing and there is a ticking that sounds like a turn signal relay clicking under the right side of the dash. Could the alarm system be locking us out? Unfortunately, I have to work under the assumtion that if anything could have been done wrong, that's the way he did it.

Where should I start? A new battery? Call AAA and have it towed to the dealer? Call AAA and have it towed home?

If anyone has had this problem before I would really appreciate your expert advice. I am desperate to get my car out of the high school parking lot.

Thanks to all.

__________________
Tim Benner

00 ML320 170K
95 E320 wgn 160K