I've got a 98 Pontiac Sunfire that won't start. When I turn the key, the engine turns over a little (weakly), but never catches. On Thursday of last week, it started up fine, and drove fine. When I tried to start it up on Friday morning, it didn't work (I am certain that I didn't leave the lights on, or an interior light, or anything). Does anyone have any ideas what this might be? Here's what I know so far:
- I just had the starter replaced three weeks ago. Certainly it couldn't be the new starter...right?
- I checked the battery connections. No corrosion, and the connections appear to be solid (as far as I know, at least!)
- I tried to jump start the car, with no success -- same engine sounds. This leads me to believe it's not the battery...is that a safe assumption?
- I had the alternator replaced 2 1/2 years ago. I'd like to think that part would last longer...right?
What else is there? An ignition switch? I don't know what it would sound like if that part were dead.
[this is not my car, but the engine sounds similar to this, but weaker: http://www.autospeak.com/grpsnda/nostart.wav ]
Thanks for any help!
- I just had the starter replaced three weeks ago. Certainly it couldn't be the new starter...right?
- I checked the battery connections. No corrosion, and the connections appear to be solid (as far as I know, at least!)
- I tried to jump start the car, with no success -- same engine sounds. This leads me to believe it's not the battery...is that a safe assumption?
- I had the alternator replaced 2 1/2 years ago. I'd like to think that part would last longer...right?
What else is there? An ignition switch? I don't know what it would sound like if that part were dead.
[this is not my car, but the engine sounds similar to this, but weaker: http://www.autospeak.com/grpsnda/nostart.wav ]
Thanks for any help!