98 LX doesn't start, no lights, no radio, no nada
 

My son has a 98 LX V6 and nothing happens when we turn the key on. The steering wheel unlocks, but there are no lights or radio and we cannot shift out of park. Kinda makes it hard to tow.

It was running OK. It didn't start yesterday but he jump started it OK. He drove somewhere else and turned it off. Since then it won't start.

We switched out the battery with with a known good one.

What might be the problem? I see three fuses in the ignition system and the switch itself.

Any help is appreciated.
Thanks.
--
Tim

I would clean all ends of both battery cables, to make sure they are all making good contact.

Check fuses like you mentioned.

OK, thanks.

I'd like to tow the car but cannot get the car in neutral. I think it must need some electrical signal to allow it to shift.

Is there a way, with no battery, to get the car into neutral?

there is a little tab, by the shfter.
pry it up and then use the key to push the interlock tab down and shft to neutral

Will try that.

Thanks....it worked! Now on to finding the electrical problem.

Problem solved!

Towed the car using HondaDude's suggestion for getting into neutral. Noticed that the emergency flashers and brake lights worked during the tow. So that meant the battery ground was good satisfying PAHonda's concern.

Checked the under-hood starter fuses and the 100A fuse was blown, hopefully due to something during the jumpstart. Replaced it and everything started up dandy. $3.89 fix plus a new battery ;-)

Thanks for the help!