Need Help with a 1998 SE

[keller346]

OK heres what happened: I was driving and went to stop aa red light. All of a sudden the lights go dim but the car is still running. So I run the red light and get home. All the lights were dim inside and out but the car is running fine. The next day I got up and went to start the car and it won't turn over. All the lights are on like it used to be but it is not turning over. I went and bought a starter and replaced it and made sure all the wires were tight and in good shape. I also cleeaned the battery posts. So like I said before it won't even turn over. I tried to start it by using the old screwdriver method on the siliniod (spelling?) and the starter just spun and acted like it wasn't catching. I also left the key on for 15 mins to try the theft thing but that didn't work. The light stays on but does not blink. Any help on this please!

[catback23]

I'd say your alternator went bad and your battery doesn't have enough charge to crank the engine over. Replace the alternator and charge the battery everything should be fine after that.

[keller346]

Even with a full charge it doesn't turn over. I also checked all the fuses and all of them were fine. I also replaced the alternator in December of last year.

[catback23]

Gonna have to do some electrical troubleshooting, with a full charge what does it do when you try to start it? Are the lights still dim? The battery may be bad and may have an internal short.

[keller346]

OK this is what the GM place told me: It is the theft sysem that has been activated and they want to charge $102 to unlock it. Is there a way I can do this myself? I don't have the stack radio in the car.

[catback23]

Lots of problems you have, I doubt they're all related. I hear leaving the key in the "on/run" position for 15 mins does the trick.