cars dead :(

hi everyone,
well i'm back from a long 3 month holiday and my baby is in worse shape then when i left it. It started up fine the first couple of times and i even drove it for around an hour. After i got it home and parked it for a few hours it refused to start up in the evening. I used jumper cables and charged it and it started fine but as soon as i turn it off it refuses to start, and the thing is that it just makes this knocking noise when i turn the key so i know its not the battery. but, before i turn the key fully the car ignition switches on so i'm a bit confused. The engine doesn't turn at all, it just makes this loud knocking noise. Does this sound like a dead alternator??? or maybe something else??

good to be back on the forums by the way :biggrin:

starter
the solenoid is trying to excite the armature but the bendix is dead.
Buy and install a new starter, possibly battery. Problem solved.

if it was the battery that was flat then wouldn't the battery have recharged a bit after being driven for an hour?? thats why i figure its the alternator. Sorry i ask such an obvious question but i need to know more coz the nearest mechanic from me is like 20-25 kms away so it'll cost me quite a bit to tow it so thats why i ask. Anyway, thanks for the help.

Is your battery really dead? Or is it just not turning the starter over because the starter is pooched?

If your battery is dead after driving around, then ide say that its shot too and its not holding a charge anymore..

Boost your car, and start it up.. Unhook your battery, the car should stay running fine.. If it dies, than your alternator is probably gone..

Replace your starter, bring your battery in to be tested.. Most autoparts stores will test your battery or alternator for free..

I have another question like his, Mine starts up and all, but every now and then and its starting to become more common, i get this annoying whining sound coming from what seems to be the area of my 3800 s2 motor's Alternator, could it be saying that its shot or....

Try a voltmeter - should read between 13 to 15.5 volts - these are cheap and only run around 10 bucks now at your local auto parts store. anything outside this range and your alternator is probably the culprit - like before sounds like your solenoid on your starter. Use caution disconnecting + battery while running - you can short out your alt. or ignite the H2 fumes form battery.