Need to change my car battery or another problem?

I have an 2005 Chevy Cavalier I bought from a private party dealer in September 2008. I do my own maintenance, like oil, filter, and tire changes. Basic stuff.

I never changed the cars battery in the little over a year that I've had it, and I never asked the previous owners if they ever did.



Yesterday I went to drive to work and when I went to unlock my car using the automatic car lock buttons and my car wouldn't unlock. Had to open the car the normal way and when I put the keys in the ignition nothing happened, no clicks, nothing.



I was researching up on why and it could either be a dead battery or a dead starter.



I just want to know what you guys think, if its the starter or the battery, and if it is the battery do you think just a recharge or a jump will work or should I go and buy a brand new one (I think its only, like, 70 bucks for a new one and since a car is pretty essential I won't cry getting a new one, but I would prefer a cheaper route.)Need to change my car battery or another problem?most likely may need a new battery try a jump see what happens
Need to change my car battery or another problem?
first thing is to remove battery cable and clean them and battery post try again jump start it dribe to any shop or parts store ask them to check charging system most places free and only takes a minute thenyou know but good bet battery but stil have it check first no need in buying somehthing you dont need
Need to change my car battery or another problem?
Yes,it could be battery.To eliminate this possibility,first try charging it.If it doesn't take or hold a charge,then see how old it is.Check the purchase date on top,or the shipped date on the side.If none are visible,look for the circle sticker on the side,with a letter and number on it,i.e B7 which indicates it was manufactured in Feb 2007.Most batteries are 5-7 year warranties,so you may be covered.Just locate the agent for the brand.



Yes,it could be starter.First check the wire,from battery to starter and the connection



It could be alternator too.Take it off and have a parts store check it.



It could also be your ignition switch.Check for burnt terminals.
First charge the battery then have it tested, if the car starts with a jump you can rule out the starter. The battery should be load tested not just volt tested. Any good parts store can do this for you. I would suggest that you take a wrench that fits your negative battery cable with you.

Then before you go in to ask them to test your battery and charging system you remove the Negative cable. Their hands stay clean and they see you have an idea.
Not knowing the history of your Chevy and how it's been used the original battery is most likely reached the end of its life, not too bad for a 2005!

It may possibly jump start...but in any event I'd replace it. Lots of options there too as all auto supply stores sell 'em. If you live near a Wal-Mart I'd take a look a their stock. I know, Wal-Mart doesn't enjoy a great reputation with some consumer groups but they have a store close to every citizen in the country and have a no BS return policy. If you're going to keep the car look at their best battery, the MAXX, it's a really good buy. I'm a 66 year old car guy with 5 or 6 vehicles around the ranch now, some nice and a few beaters, so this is a first hand experience thing. BTW, I've just put a MAXX in my '65 F100 (with a fresh rebuilt 410 V8 - a Mercury motor) and it cranks it just fine.

Also, once it's running again let a local auto supply test the entire battery/charging circuit. Good luck with your Chevy....and thanks for buying American.
30 year mech would most likely think it to be the BATTERY more than the starter yes try and jump it this should put en off charge to make the eng turn over and start thus eliminating the starter and yes you can have the batter tested at TOU zone good luck

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