Voltage on ground circuit '08 Chrysler T&C

 Hello all, trying to solve a ground circuit issue on 08 Chrysler T&C minivan w/ 3.8L that belongs to family member. He last drove the vehicle in the morning a few days ago with no issues. Parked it for a few hours, went to start in the afternoon and found no crank no start condition, key fob not working, no power in vehicle etc. I went to take a look thinking battery issue, but voltage was at 12.6 from post to post and passed load test. When I probed the positive and negative battery cable ends however, I measured only 1.9volts. Then probed from negative batt post to neg terminal end measuring 10.6 volts. When measuring from neg batt post to chassis ground points or with one meter lead on engine block and one on neg battery post I also measured 10.6 volts.
Interestingly, when measuring from the negative cable end to any other chassis ground points, the meter reads as a good ground (0 volts) and that is with the cable end still hooked up to negative post. However when measuring from the negative post to any of those same ground points, I am measuring 10.6 volts.

I have found 4 chassis grounds in engine bay, 1 in the area behind left headlight, 1 in area under TIPM, and 2 near the master cylinder. Is it possible a ground connection was lost somewhere? Any suggestions welcome and appreciated. Thanks

Then probed from negative batt post to neg terminal end measuring 10.6 volts.

There, lies your problem. Remove the negative terminal from the battery post and clean the post and the terminal. Make sure you have a good cable, with no corrosion, and a good connection.


Here's a good video that will explain what is happening.

Issue was poor connection on a ground to trans and badly corroded section of negative cable found from underneath vehicle. Unfortunately when I went to look at the van I could not get under it as it was tightly parked between 2 other vehicles (apartment complex). Finally someone moved and mobile technician that they called was able to get under, sure enough portion of neg cable was essentially rotted. Cable replaced and all ground connections cleaned and it's up and running.