1997 Chevy Malibu, 2.4L engine. The car now won't start, no lights on the dash, no chiming sound, power locks don't work, no lights on inside car when the door is open, nothing. When I put the key to On, the dash lights did come on, but then went off and nothing happens when I try to start it. I've been reading about problems that could cause this like the passlock feature on GMs, but my theft system light isn't blinking and with all the other power being dead this doesn't seem to be the cause.

Bad battery was my first thought, then I thought maybe the ignition switch, but again why would the power locks not work either?

Oh also the last time I drove it last night, the ABS light came on while driving it and the airbag light was lit up. I got it home okay and the problems I've described are going on today.

Sounds like a dead battery to me. Can you jump start the car?

I would check both ends of your Battery Cables. Headlights work?

This link may help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-11.html#post2123675

I'd do what you suggested--charge the battery and check the ignition switch for wear, pitting, or melting.