The alternator is in the car for two purposes. One ... to charge the battery. Two ... to run anything and everything electrical within the car when it's running. So basically, the battery is only there to start the car and that's it, the alternator has nothing to do with the starting of the vehicle.
If the car won't start, it's probably NOT the alternator. It's a possible problem with the battery or within the starting system. It could be caused by something as simple as making sure the shifter is in the park position all the way. (automatic transmission only of course) If this is an automatic, you can also try placing the car in neutral but MAKE SURE YOU USE THE BRAKES OR PUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON before and while starting it. If it starts in neutral but not in park, it's the neutral safety switch gone bad.
If the car is a manual, the clutch safety switch located (usually) above the clutch pedal may be the culprit.
Now ... there are many things in the starting system that can go wrong from a fuse, to a starter solenoid, a starter relay, the starter itself, the ignition switch, a bad connection somewhere, a broken wire or a security system within the car. There are other things that can go wrong, but without knowing the year make and model of the vehicle, this is the best I can do for ya. Good Luck!
yes but wont run for long, you will have no lights, horn, radio ect.
one word. starter..
start the car then remove positive battery teminal if car stalls then your alternator is bad(sounds like it is but that will tell you for sure)
The head lights, radio, and eveything else works, but the car will not start. I checked the starter and it was good. The battery is good, but whatever it is causes the battery to have a low charge. Could it be the alternator
Lights/radio/etc. left on, door not properly closed or faulty door switch (leaving interior lights on), an alternator or starter leaking current. And probably a bad start of the day.
you might need a new alternator. thas what happend to mine. Did any dash board lights come on and the radio start changing by itself?
The problem may not be in the starter, but rather the alternator or battery. Your lights and radio may work because it does not require as much power. I asked the question and I have narrowed it done to one of the two possibilities: it is either the ignition switch or the anti theft start fuse under the hood. But thanks for the insight.
It could be your battery, the alternator or your starter... but more than likely it sounds like your alternator is bad.
Will your lights headlights come on? Will anything work? Had something like that happen to me years ago. I had no lights and nothing worked. Turned out it was an alternator. There could be something else that would be wrong but, it would be something to check out.
it may not be you ignition relay, but your alternator.
there might be something wrong with your starter or alternator
Remove the radio and see if everything is normal. If yes put another one (known to be working well) in and see if the car starts. If yes then the older radio is faulty. If not then get the electrical system (including battery alternator) thoroughly checked.