Pontiac Repair: van does not start, old battery, starter motor

Question
QUESTION: for about a month the check engine light was on the comp diagnostic showed a problem w #1 fuel injector.  Today my van won't start at all and I notice the gas needle moved to f when it only had 1/4 of a tank.  I put a new battery still no start.  All the lights turn on but it does not start  please help

ANSWER: Hi Gracie:

What year van is this I assume it's a Montana van? When you say it will not start? Does it crank but not run or or does it not even crank over? I assume it will not crank and that's why the battery was replaced? Any security lamp on on the dash? The fuel gauage may not be related it may just be the level sesnor in the gas tank has gone bad that is pretty common for that van. As for the injector code that is an odd one for that van it can be an electrical issue or a bad injector it's self. Good luck and let me know a few more details


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: yes 1999 montana. It does not crank but all the lights do turn on when we turn the ignition switch.  The reason we replaced the battery was because when we attempted to turn on the headlights would dim as if the battery was dead.  There are no security lights on. I'm really worried now because we have been told it's the starter by one mechanic and another one told us it might be the alternator!!

Answer
Well it's not the alternator as to why it will not start. It may be the reson the battery was dead but not why it will not start. It could be the starter motor or a wiring issue going to the starter motor. It could be a bad connection at the battery as well if the old battery leaked acid into on of the cables. You would have seen that when you replaced the battery though.