<VV> Utterly Dead Electrical System LM

[Barry Gershenfeld]

Did everything go off right when you turned the key?  Just a guess.  Turn
something on (like open the door so the dome light would come on), then
measure the voltage at the battery terminals.  THEN poke the leads through
the terminals and this time measure the
voltage on the battery posts.  If I'm right, you'll get a real eye opener.

And if I'm wrong, follow the advice of others regarding the "horrible
plastic thingy" (junction terminal near the battery).