I had been having to charge my battery but I knew the alt belt needed replacing--finnaly did that & battery lasted longer but still eventually battery died again. Battery was quite old so replaced that. Now every few days it doesn't want to even turn over when I go to start it--no click sound--nothing. Starts right up when I got a jump. I messed with the cables but don't really know what Im doing--someone told me if I removed a battery cable while car is running & it keeps running it would mean alternator is OK. Is that true? Im dead broke until the 1st & need to figure out as much as I can myself before asking guy friends to take a look. Checked the fuses all look good.

STOP. Removing one of the battery cables, while the engine is idling, is one of the dumbest (and most expensive) things you can do to accidentally damage your car. It can destroy your ECM (computer), alternator, and various sensors. This dangerous advice just won't die. Read the link below and the WARNING at the end:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1973613

The link above will explain how you can test the alternator yourself.

It's good that your common sense told you to stop and get a second opinion. That decision may have saved you $1,500 or more. Those type of repairs are really nasty--very similar to flood damage. Don't ask for any more automotive advice from that friend.

This link may help you isolate what's wrong:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post235560

Remove and fully charge the battery. Even new batteries usually need to be charged for several hours, before being installed. Most auto parts stores will test and charge batteries for free. Keep in mind that jumping batteries greatly increases the chance that a voltage spike will damage the ECM, alternator, and sensors. Most auto parts stores will also test alternators for free. It's prudent for every household to have an inexpensive battery charger.