Car doesn't start...just beeps...any ideas?

[shurato]

My car doesn't start up. It doesn't get a engine starter noise at all...just beeps. I dont think its the battery because it was replaced a few months ago and I left no lights on with the engine off. I drive a 96 nissan sentra, the battery was replaced not too long ago at NTB and they said I had a problem with my alternator(?) and that it needed to be replaced...the car seemed to run ok and I had no money at the time so I declined and eventually forgot all about it. It will start up normally sometimes but its very random...I had left the car alone for a few days since I didn't need it and today I tried to jump it again just in case and it wouldnt start (note, NO engine starting noises, just beeps)....then randomly i tried it again and it started and when it did the engine check light comes on. I don't even know how to change the oil when it comes to cars so that shows my sheer stupidity when it comes to cars. Just so I can get an understanding of what the problem might be....do you guys have any idea? I don't want to take it to a repair shop and get totally swindled.

 

[ElFenix]

battery is dead if your alternator has gone kaput.

alternator is a generator powered by your engine which runs the electrical system and recharges the battery.

 

[dullard]

The most likely culprit is the alternator. With a faulty alternator, the batteries will not function properly. That is probably the reason you felt that you needed to replace the first battery. The battery likely had some life left but with a faulty alternator it couldn't get enough power to recharge (thus you could have been swindled when you replaced the battery - however at 6 years the battery probably was near its life end). I've seen far too many places that will replace a battery knowing full well that it is the alternator that needs replacing instead. I'd just go somewhere else next time.

 

[GooberPHX420]

<< doesn't start...just beeps...any ideas? >>



Check the mobo

 

[shurato]

Yes, that was partly the reason why I didn't pay much attention to those folks over at NTB when they told me to fork over 300 bucks to fix the alternator(or replace?)...they decided to tell me yes, you need to replace your alternator because it is causing your battery to lose power much quicker so easily AFTER they replaced my battery and charged me 80 bucks... or something like that...can't remember the exact wording. I really need to start getting better adept with cars...for some reason its more daunting than building and troubleshooting my own pc from scratch which to me is quite elementary.

 

[XZeroII]

I think some punk kid stole your spark plugs.