97 Trans Am Won't Start

:disappoin My right light was not wanting to shut and it would wind when i turned off the lights! So I figured it was my motor to the flip light gonig out isn't it? :banghead: and then one day I jumped in my car and turned my car everything went on and then shut off! I could not get my car started. I finally got it jump started but when i pushed on the brakes i noticed the lights would dim a bit so i figured it would be my alternator!!! When i turned it off it never started again do you think it is my alternator?? I am about to buy one but i just want someone else's advice also.

P.S. And what about the flip light is it a mechanical problem or an electrical problem. Anybody have this problem

my car is a 97 Trans Am 5.7liter V8 w/63,103 miles any others out there have experience as such !!

Thank You
Junior
United States Navy

I also have a 97 Trans AM and my lights dim too when I hit the breaks but it runs fine. Is this a normal thing or something to be worried about?

The head light problem is a common one among all Firebird/Trans Ams. Go to www.projecttransam.com to find a quick fix for it. They have a lot of do it yourself pages and there is even a guy on there that fabs his own headlight gears. The problem you have is in the gear itself. It's made of GM plastic (go figure) and the teeth break off easily after extended use. Mine (knock wood) haven't broken yet. The problem with the car not starting sound like either your alternator or your battery or both. Take it to a local mechanic and get him to check all your battery components. Is it turning over or is it just clicking when you try to start it? The problem may even be the starter. Some other good questions for me to ask would also be, Do you prime your fuel pump before you start the car? What kind of gas are you running? Is there an engine in the car? My fuel pump has about had it and it's getting replaced over the summer if I can get the funds/help I need. A lot of things can contribute to the car not starting. If it's cold out in the morning you want to prime your fuel pump before you crank the car. To do this, if you don't know how, you turn the key to ON, not run, not ACC, but ON. Then, you'll hear the pump engage and run for a second. This primes the pump for a cleaner start. Hope that helps a little. I'm not an expert but I've worked around cars for a while and it sounds to me like you might have a bad battery component. If it's anything else...pray to the money gods.