How to check battery cables and connection 2004 chevy calalier

sounds like your not getting any power from battery at all, who ever replaced the starter didn't connect your cable from battery correctly. one hot cable runs from battery to starter , you can start there, check battery and fuse, in not a mechanic, but I've changed a few starters on Chevy truck, hope this helps, good luck!

If the battery isn`t the problem, make sure that the drive belts ate properly tightened.

If they are, check and clean the cables and terminals that connect to the battery. When looking at the cables, look GOOD. The cable may be corroded inside the insulation.

Also check the engine ground and make sure the alternator is also well grounded. Be sure to check the red output wire is not shorting.

Be sure that the red positive cable is not shorting. You may aven we interested in removing the alternator and having it checked for internal problems.

Preliminary Procedures

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
3. Remove the lower steering column trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .

1
Ignition Switch Electrical Connector
2
Ignition Switch Screw (Qty: 2)
Torque
0.74 N?·m (7 lb in)
3
Ignition Switch
Tip

1. The ignition lock cylinder must be in the run position prior to removal of the ignition switch or damage to the components can occur.
2. Reprogram the theft deterrent system. Refer to Programming Theft Deterrent System Components .

alternator is probably bad. the output with engine running should be 13 to 15 volts. you can check this with a volt meter by touching the leads to the battery with car running. you need the reading to be 13 to 15 volts

sounds like battery or alternator problem you can have them checked at most auto stores for free

SOUND LIKE DEAD BATTERY CHECK BATTERY VOLTS SHOULD BE 12.6 VOLTS IF NOT BATTERY DEAD.REASON BATTERY DEAD EITHER FROM OLD AGE OR ALTERNATOR FAILURE. FIRST TURN OFF RADIO AND REMOVE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. REMOVE ALTERNATOR HAVE A AUTO PARTS STORE CHECK OUT ALTERNATOR SEE IF ALTERNATOR FAULTY.IF ALTERNATOR OKAY BATTERY CABLES CORRODED CHECK ALTERNATOR FUSE AND CHECK ALTERNATOR ELECTRICAL WIRES FOR DAMAGE DO THIS PROCEDURE ONLY IF ALTERNATOR YOU HAD CHECK OUT WAS OKAY.

If its spinning over good but wont fire, the computer needs to be reset . It should start then you drive it around to let it reset itself. check the pcm fuse

Start with the simple things first. Check connections at starter and battery, check connection of main ground cable. Operate your test again at outside at night (in the dark) and have person watch the engine compartment for sparks which are easy to see at night. Always diagnose problem from the source, and check to make sure solenoid on starter is good, also that clearances are correct and starter is not binding when it tries to rotate.

on my 96 Cavalier, it's at the front, on the passenger side, and you can see it if you get under the car. Kind of in front of the tire (very near the front bumper).

you may want to have your timing checked...it sounds like the timing may be going out