A couple months back, my Malibu wouldn't start. I had power to lights, and radio but could only get the starting motor to click. I replaced the starter, and did not have any more problems starting the car until a couple weeks ago. This time I had the same symptoms again. I took the battery to my local auto parts dealer, where they checked it. It was still a good battery, and after charging it, my car started again. Now a week and a half later my car is going through this again. I have lights and radio but can not get the starter to turn the engine over. I put my battery on my charger this morning and it tests good. What other problem could this be?

 

How old is this battery? Check the cable connections (both positive and ground)? Having "power to lights, and radio" doesn't necessarily mean it can provide enough cranking amps to engage the starter solenoid or starter motor. Also, the ignition switch in START supplies the battery voltage to the starter solenoid via the PNP switch (closed in PARK or NEUTRAL). If the starter solenoid makes no clicking sound or multiple clicks, there's none or not enough power to the solenoid to engage it. On the other hand, if the starter solenoid clicks once and the motor tries to turn, there's not enough power to the motor.

 

On the main fuse box near the battery there is a red wire that a that runs to the main power feed some times those leads need to be replaced that will cause the started not to get power but the rest of the car will.

 

The battery is probably about 2 years old. I have had it checked a couple times & they say it is in good condition. Also checked the alternator, which is working well also.

 

I'll check this, thanks for the thought.

 

It wouldn't hurt to chase the other three cables and make sure they make good contact with the starter terminal or grounding points, depending. It could still be the battery, though. I assume the battery is the side terminal type? People tend to overtighten the terminal bolt (supposed to be torqued to only 11 lb-ft). The nut part is embedded in the lead bushing and thus an excessive torque on the bolt can flex and damage the soft metal structures inside the battery.