Honda Repair: Charging problem 03 Honda Odyssey, honda odyssey, alternator problem

Question
I started my Odyssey this morning and drove it to work with no obvious signs of a problem.  Occasionally it acts like it has a bit of difficulty starting (cranks 2 or 3 times before starting) but this is not the norm and has not happened in a couple of months.  I returned to the vehicle after work to drive home, but lights on the dash barely came on when I turned the key, and it made no effort to start or even click.  I checked to make sure that no interior lights had been left on (I keep the light button on the dash in off position since I have bumped it once or twice before and killed the battery.)  My husband jump started the van and I drove it home and let it run approximately 15 minutes before turning it off.  I immediately turned the key back to the on position as if to start, and it was dead... again.  It has not been displaying any warning lights that might indicate an alternator issue, and the battery is only about 1.5 years old.  We do live where it gets -20 to -30 in the winter, however.  Any suggestions would be appreciated, since even if jump started, I can't turn it off.... hmmm.  Thanks.

Answer
This sounds like it is probably an alternator problem. BUT it could also be a bad battery that is causing your issue. It is even possible that you just have loose or corroded battery terminals.

Since you like where it is so cold you need to be sure that your battery cable connections are very clean and tight. After you clean and tighten them then you need to have your electrical system checked. Any good parts store can do this for free. If you have a voltmeter I can tell you how to do it yourself.