Minivan Woes

[FriendlyFox]

Hey there everyone! Back in April I moved to Vancouver from Victoria using my parents' old minivan - which they kindly gifted to me. However there are one or two problems with it that I'd like to get solved at some point soon.

The first concern is the battery - on its' last journey from Victoria it died at the ferry terminal (requiring a jump from ferry workers at Swartz Bay and on board the ferry at Tsawwassen) and then it died again on the causeway requiring a tow from roadside assistance. Ever since I got the van back to my apartment it's been sitting with a dead battery. The van either has a dead battery or a dead alternator. If there is someone willing to let me lend a fully-charged battery and test it on the van for a week or so I'd be most grateful. This will then give me the opportunity to purchase a new battery for the van should the problem be the battery and not the alternator.

The second concern is the ignition switch - for two years' now it's been faulty and my dad bypassed it instead of replacing it. With it the van starts (with a working battery) but I'm more concerned about what might happen should I get pulled over by the cops or stopped at the border on a US trip. I do intend to get the switch replaced, it all comes down to money though. Can anyone recommend somewhere affordable to go with this problem?

Thanks!
FriendlyFox

[SharpCoyote]

Both Phoenix and I work @ Lordco Auto Parts in Vancouver (and as of today, as I understand it, so does Muru_(Walker).

If you are not strapped for cash, come in to our location in Vancouver on Thu, Fri, or this weekend, and one of us can hook you up with the best deal possible.

I also have a battery charger / tester set up @ my counter, so if you take the suspect unit out and bring it in, I can charge / test it.

Fair warning:  good quality batteries tend to last (5) years, where cheap ones tend to last (2), so she may be done in.

Also:  minivan   :-[