I've got a '94 Cavalier. The other day while driving the speedo dropped down to 0, then came back up. The radio went on and off a few times. Then the car died altogether. It won't start, won't spin the motor. The interior light doesn't work, the dashboard doesn't light up. Nothing.

I checked the voltage at the batter with a multimeter, it's got 12 volts. I followed the positive cable down to the starter, checked the voltage there and there doesn't seem to be any.

Should there be voltage at the stater? It looks like a straight shot from the battery to the starter so I would expect that there should be voltage there. Can the battery cable go bad?

 

You should have voltage at the starter & alternater when the car is turned off. Check alternater voltage as well starter silionoid. Also, check to see if the serpintine belt is loose. Might be time for the tensioner.