Now, I know why it won't start, the battery is discharged. I can't tell why. This happened about eight months ago, and my mechanic said it was the alternator, and he replaced it with a rebuilt one. It started fine since. However, before it happened both times for about a week prior to dying the starter was excessively noisy on startup, making a harsh, scratchy noise while cranking the engine over. After getting the alternator replaced last time, the sound disappeared until right about one week ago, when I noticed it again, and it got progressively worse until yesterday morning, when she wouldn't start. I tightened the belt on the alternator as much as I could and jumped it to run it for awhile and see if that was it, but still no go. Before I go back to the mechanic, can anyone make any suggestions? I have to mention that I know little or nothing when it comes to electronics, I can turn a wrench, but wiring just blows my mind. don't have voltmeter either. Thanks

 

If a new alternator fixed it last time, Id say replace it again. Rebuilt alt. are mainly junk, you were lucky to get a year out of it. Buy the next one from a supplier other than the discount stores i.e. AutoZone and the like. These places get the 3rds in rebuilt parts. Look for a Carquest or Ridge Co. type store, they get the seconds where Ford and Chevy garages get the 1sts (at a premium price to the consumer). Also, clean all electrical connections to the starter, including grounds. Good luck!

Nathan