My 2005 c-van all of a sudden has a dead battery

"If it has the original battery, you might want to consider a new one. After 12 years it doesn't owe you anything. You can have it tested, usually for free, at many parts stores. They will put a load on it and see if it has the current capacity. You should also put a voltmeter on it and see if you get 12.8 volts or so when the car is running. If not, your alternator needs work.

If you have a newer battery and the alternator is putting out, you probably have something loading it down. Disconnect the terminal and put an ammeter in the line, and see what it is (with the engine off)."