Weird problem...easy fix

[hufhouse]

I thought I would post this in case someone searches later.

My wife called today stranded at home because the van wouldn't start. She said that it wouldn't start yesterday once, but then decided to go ahead and start.

Today, it started to turn over, but wouldn't start. Then, it wouldn't even turn over and all of a sudden the dash lights flashed and things started to buzz and beep. After you'd turn the key back to the off position, the dashboard and CD player continued to hum and drone for a little while. At first, I thought "Uh-oh, maybe the old needs to be shot."

On a whim, I hooked up the jumper cables and she started right off. Turned it off and it started up again. No problem.

Drove down to AutoZone and installed a new battery. I've probably started it at least a dozen times since with no problem.