98 s13 wont start-electrical...runs then wont start afgter its jumped

[Clark W. Griswald]

My s13 died on me tnight in a parking lot after driving it around town. Its an automatic. I worked on it a little today so heres the scoop:

1. First I disconnected the plug for the trans that makes it shift harder when its unplugged. I drove it for a little while, and had no problems2. Then the next time I got in my car I had to push down on the little red stick on the base of the shifter to get it to go into gear, Ive never had to do that before.3. I pulled my fuel pump out from the trunk before I noticed the shifter problem. I pulled it to see if the float was in tact. I put it all back together with no real problems. 4. I took my car out, drove it to get food, and a haircut. I drove it for about an 40 minutes beofre I got in to leave the parking lot and it wouldnt start. No turning over or anything, but the intereior lights were on.5. I got a jump from my brother and followed him to his house.He put a volt meter to the battery with the car running and it read around 13. something. the voltmeter termianls were touching the battery terminals.6. I drove home and cut the car off. I immediately tried to start it and I got nothing.

Is it my alternator? Is this bullsh*t alarm I thought I resolved giving me problems again?

[Clark W. Griswald]

No I didnt try that only because the car turns as soon as it gets a jump. I have the battery out of my Cressida in it now and its been fine since last night. I drove up to walmart and got a replacement battery for free just in case. Im going to head back out there in a few and see if she starts up or if shes dead.

[vancouverbc]

ok, dont hit it if it starts after jump starting. look up battery in tutorials. are your lights brighter with car enging running or with engine off?

[Clark W. Griswald]

Well when I got the car jumped last night the lights dimmed while I tried to start it.

I just drove it for a few and when I tried to start it back up, I got nothing. I put the battery back in my Cressy and it started right up.

Did the lights dim because the battery was giving all the uice it had to try and engage the starter? Im leaning towards it being a starte now for sure. Ill have to wait until this weekend before I can get any further, I dont have any ramps.

[vancouverbc]

sounds like dirty or loose battery cables. also measure resistance between negative battery terminal and body of starter motor. you might not be grounded. look up ground in tutorials.

[Clark W. Griswald]

It seems like if I drive it a while and park, it won't start up again. If I disconnect then reconnect the battery, it starts right up, but I have to fiddle with the switch for the alarm to make my parking lights stop flashing.