My 99 monte carlo had to be jump started yesterday and I replaced the battery. Altenator fine and clean terminals. I drove today and all was fine until I came out from the store. I opened the door and no dome light, no headlights and would not start. I can hear a faint bell when the key is in the ignition. I can not believe the battery is bad. Is there anything else that would stop the power from getting to the ignition and lights? Maybe a main fuse or something? It was to late to mess with it so I left it in the parking lot. I will deal with it tomorrow.

 

batery cables can be another calprit

 

how do you know the alt is bad? also, when you get a new batt, you should always chekck to make sure its charged enough. even new batts can have a good first start and then die the next

 

or u have a parasitic draw...

 

Did you leave the lights on :P

 

Went back in the daylight and checked the voltage at the battery. The voltage at the battery was 12.6, but the voltage at the starter was 7.3. I jimmied the cable at the top and the voltage went up. The car started, so I am replacing the cable, it won't be in until this afternoon. Thanks for the help and I am glad it was nothing bad.