Pontiac Repair: 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix wont start, pontiac grand prix, battery cables

Question
Working on a teenagers car.  Previous owner had to rescue his daughter several times since car would not start. Sold the car to her friend for $20.00 and now I'm trying to get it running for her.  I put in a new starter and it worked for two days.  Now it won't start.  I replaced both battery cables and still no luck. It just clicks when you turn the key. It has a new battery and I plan on checking the charge.  I'm thinking it's the alternator but I don't have any manuals for her car.  They have no money and I don't have a lot of time to drive ten miles from my house to hers every day.  Thanks for your help!! Pete Lozano

Answer
Hi pete:

well when you jump start it and get it running check to see what the voltage is at the battery it should be just above 14 volts. if it not you have a charging system issue of some kind. either an alternator that is not putting out enough amperage orthe cable from the aleternator back to the battery has high resiatnce in it or a bad connection at the battery. Are the ground connections from the battery to the ebgine block good and from the battery to the body good? You need to look at the basics first before you go and put an alternator on it and it doesn't need one. Good luck :)