[SuperPirateGirl]

Hi all!
First, I'll be honest... I know NOTHING about cars except how to change a tire and where to put gas. Got into my car this morning and it would not start. There was no clicking noise, no turn over. The only thing that does work are the lights and radio. Someone suggested to me it may be the starter, but I'm not sure. I would like to have an inkling of what it may be so I don't get ripped off at the garage. Can someone please help?!

[diy2010]

Hello, your don't say in your post whether the lights were normal or dim. If dim then the battery is probably so low that the starter will not respond in any fashion. Try getting someone to jump the car off. If this works then you probably have a bad battery or a bad alternater.

[CaptainRich]

Test and/or recharge the battery as needed. Even if the fault isn't the battery, you'll need it fully charged to perform other tests on the electrical system.
This would be a good time to test the alternator and inspect the drive belt for wear or glazing.

[SuperPirateGirl]

The lights and radio are all normal. I just had someone test the battery and it's 12. Something. Anything?

Thanks! =)

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Remove and fully charge, or replace, the battery. Most auto parts stores will do this for free. Testing for voltage provides no real insight into the condition of the battery--amperage is what counts. Charge the battery until the ammeter cuts back to between 1 and 2 amps. Remember to disconnect the negative battery cable first and to reconnect it last.

Don't jump start your car. Instead, remove and fully charge, or replace, the battery. With modern-day cars, there's a real risk that a voltage spike or incorrect cable hook-up could damage your ECM (computer), alternator, and/or various sensors. We've had more than our share of these at AMHD.