1996 corsica completely dead

[carzrcool]

about a week ago i went to start my car and when i turned the key no lights came on at all, i jump started assuming it was the batery and it ran fine for a couple of days, then i went and got a new battery and it did the same thing the next day except this time i couldnt even jump start it. is it possibly the alternator, ingnition switch, or is it electrical, or something else...please help!

[njrotcjdp]

An unscientific trick some people use to do was while the engine is running hold a screwdriver up to the center, back of the altenator. Magnetic force would grab the screwdriver if it was putting out.

[jsgold]

Sounds like an ignition switch or bad cable to me. I would ask was there no lights after you replaced the new battery, or, when you attempted to jump it? if your alternator is bad(common on these cars) you would run a new battery down pretty quick, but should start up when jumped. I would check the cables, as they can corrode especially near the starter, and see if you can take the new battery back to be sure it is good, charged, etc. If not lights were coming on when being jumped, I would bet the cable is bad, or, the ignition switch which is inside the column and controled by a rod that runs from key switch to ignition switch. Could even be the key switch, common headache on all GM's.

[carzrcool]

The dome light and power locks work and when I first turn the key all dash lights are on....but when I turn it further to start it, everything goes dead and the dome light, power locks, etc don't work. After the car sits for a while, they dome light and power locks will work but just until I try to turn the key to start.

[jsgold]

Spunds like a bad cable then, or, battery/alternator problem. If the car does not turn over when jumped, I would say it is either bad ground cable or the hot cable is bad/loose/corroded.

[leeclark]

I just had had the same symptoms and found my brand new battery had a loose internal connection.

grampa Lee

[richtazz]

Sounds like a bad starter to me. The armature has a dead spot, and when it happens to stop on that spot, it won't start. Sometimes, the extra amperage from a jump will be enough to overcome this deadspot, and the car will start.