Help Please! I know nothing about cars and mine died today.?

Question

I have been taken to the cleaners by mechanics to many times to count! I have a '94 Buick LeSabre and I was driving it today and slowed down to make a right turn into a parking lot. Just after I completed the turn the car died. I tried to start it but it wouldn't turn over. Someone was kind enough to push the car into a parking space as I steered. I tried again to start it, to no avail. It didn't click, it sounded as if it were trying to start but would not "catch." Also, I have power everything, and the windows wouldn't work and neither would the locks. After 45 minutes, it started and I drove it home. As soon as I got home, my nephew asked me to keep it running while he checked under the hood. At 16, he knows more about cars than I do. He said that he smelled a faint burning but that it dissipated too quicky for him to perceive its source. The belts were turning when I tried to start it, and it sounded like it was trying to start, but would not catch. Later it started.

Update:

Thanks everyone! You have given a great place to start. Lisa, I will.

Update 2:

Also, I have a new alternator: 4 months old. Did have loose battery connection several months ago, and that was tightened. I will clean the cable connections AND take the car to Auto Zone. I didn't know they performed auto checks. Thanks again everyone. Your answers have been excellent!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Alternator could be bad.You can take your car to autozone or advanced, and they will check it for you. . Also check your fluid levels. Also when you go to have your vehicle checked ask about the voltage regulator from what I read it is associated to the battery and alternator.

UPALLNIGHT · Answer

It definitely sounds like your battery is going dead, and then after sitting for a bit it has enough residual "juice" to start your car. Have Auto-Zone make sure you were sold the right AMPERAGE alternator. Also, if you are running any kind of HUGE stereo system, your ALT. may not be able to keep up.
"rebuilt" alternators are not always good, you could have got a "bad one". You ARE on the right track, ELECTRICAL problems are probably the hardest to detect. Have them check the "voltage regulator" too, it's the thing that "tells" the alternator to CHARGE the battery. GOOD LUCK TO YA!!!

maverick152_mi · Answer

almost positive u have a loose connection from you battery to your starter that would explain then burning smell as it if loose will spark and smoke until your car is started then will go away quickley as the fan blows it away  if thats not it i would say alternater and not battery cause once your car is started it will run with out the battery so if it died while running i would look somewhere else for the prob but yes go to autozone get it checked ask them how many volts your alternator is putting out make sure its at least 13.8 volts

zbelle · Answer

You may have a loose battery cable, or you have a direct electrical short. Clean the battery posts with a mixture of baking soda and water, reconnect them and make sure they are tight. Check the ground cable where it is connected to the block and check the positive cable all the way to the starter, make sure all the connections are tight.

LISA F · Answer

Sounds like something electrical or the alternater maybe.  Bring it to an Auto Zone near you and have them do a free computer check on it.  That should tell you the problem before you bring it to a mechanic.

QTIP · Answer

It sound like the starter is going out or the cap and rotor might not be working correctly,If there was a burning smell then get the starter checked out.

devoss · Answer

From My information would wanna verify those lsited merchandise and verify them off once you're confident there o.k.: alternator gas pump transmission oil per chance your transimission is broken or at worst would wnna take a seem at : gas strains air intake injectors with any success you get this resolved

Anonymous · Answer

It is time to dump the car and get another before you throw any more money away on it.  Check used car reviews at edmunds.com before buying another car, then have a mechanic check it before you buy it.

chelsea_sherry_williams · Answer

Sounds like the Alternator...you need to replace it...its not a hard thing to fix

trahc · Answer

check voltage , sounds like an alternator problem

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Help Please! I know nothing about cars and mine died today.?

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