I got the altenator out and brought it to a a parts store, they tested it, it is good. What else would cause sudden "dead" symptoms? The senerio was, I shut off my car that has been running perfectly, then went to re-start it and there was nothing....all of the sudden out of nowhere. All the dash lights lit up, radio worked, but nothing from the engine. The AAA guy jumped it, it ran for a minute or so then died. He said it was probly the alt. I guess he was wrong. Any suggestions??? Chevy Cavalier Conv. 1987 2.8L MPFI Again the car has ran flawlessly for 30,000 miles. Thanx, Jim

 

How about a stuck starter solonoid?

 

check the alt main fuse it may be blown

 

Have your battery checked. Even if your battery gauge in the car says it's good it may not have enough amperage. And haveing a bad alt could make your battery go bad too. When I get on checked I always get both done. If it is bad it will do that too. I am going to assume that sense you changed the alt your battery cables are tight and all alt connections are tight, but check the starter too.

 

Well I got the alt. back in (charged the batt a little during) and it started right up. Tried starting it a few more times all good. I'll have the batt. tested tommorrow. It just bugs me that one second it was fine, and the next it wouldn't start, no warning. Thanx

 

You may have just drained the bat buy driving it on a bad alternator. I did that to my 84 Dodge. I had to put a battery and an alternator in. My battery was only 3 months old but I think it's just that I drove it far enough and it pulled enough power out of it that it went bad.

 

I brought the battery to the parts store and they tested it...the machine said replace battery, I did. Thanx for the help. Jim