1999 Grand Am SE wont turn over, just Knocks.

[NJCPADva]

Hello, I am new to the Form but would appreciate any help I could get from someone. I have had a multitude of problem with my Grand Am since I have owned (Alternator,Shorts in Taillights, Window Regulator Arms). I now have a few problems more including the car not turn over when ingiting just a steady light knocking under the hood with the key in the on position and attempting to start it. The Check Engine light is always lit;The theft alarm will not sound , just clicks and the fuel gauge flops between empty and full at any given time despite fuel in the car. The batter is new and less than a year old but I was told to try and Jump Star the battery and do the 4 spurts of starter fluid in the the fuel filter to se if the car is getting any gas through the system, then do a spark plug check for a spark. I cant do this for another 2 days but am I going in the right direction for a diagnosis/emissions troubleshoot?

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF !

I would first test the battery with a voltmeter, or get it tested. Most auto parts stores can do this for free.
It should be about 13.4vlts.

Then check your battery cables for corrosion at the terminals/connectors, also the wires down by the starter.
Make sure they are tight connections.

I'd try that first, I wouldnt mess with the starting fluid just yet. Its not good on the sensors in the air inlet tube either.

If you battery is good and your wires are tight, its most likly your starter that has died. Which if taken in to an auto parts store could be tested again for free.
I guess they do this for free because if its bad, they hav a chance to make a sale.
Doesnt mean you hav to buy the part thier, just what evers in your area and a good price.

If youre still having trouble just holla !

[NJCPADva]

Thank you for you advice, it was very helpful but I have additional info about the Battery/Ignition for the car. It seems the car stays running while hooked up to the jump but not after ther jumper cables are removed. I found that the pulley under the serpentine pulley belt but not the serpentine pulley, skips intermittently which causes the lights to flicker when it skips. I cannot not figure which pulley it is and see well enough to tell if the belt is slipping but it doesn't seem to be the belt just that particular pulley itself skipping in spin rotation. Does this info help at all? Thanks

[xeroinfinity]

If the connections were clean & tight , then your alternator is probly not charging and now the battery is toast as well.

Here is a pic of the engine compartment, you can point out the area in question.

also, on the strange floating gas gauge, this is a typical problem with some models. To fix this you'll need to hav the level float device replaced.

Almost forgot, make sure the plug on the alternator is pluged in tight, and the prongs arent damaged. And thiers a power wire on the back of the alternator(covered with a black rubber boot) that must be tight also.

Good Luck