Starting issues with a 1999 Chevy Malibu?

Question

Okay, here's the deal. Last week, I went to leave work and when I started my car, it faded out. It cranked normally, I put the car in reverse and then it just stopped. It went to that "parents-leave-the-keys-in-so-the-kids-d... stage. The car's not running but on. You know. Anyways, it starts and then un-starts right away. I'm not the most adept individual with cars but I'm hoping for the very unlikely event that it's my battery. Someone mentioned that my battery could be dead to the point of not holding a charge. I plan on popping out the battery and making a run to Auto Zone. I live in New Orleans so the heat kills batteries fast. The time may have come.

If you don't think it's the battery, care to shed some light? Alternator? Starter? Spark plug?

It'd be convenient if some animal was trapped and dead, messing things up. A coat hanger later and I'd be gold.

If it's my alternator, how difficult would it be to do that myself? I can change a side-post battery and that's about it. I do, however, follow instructions very well..

I can't shell out $400 for a mechanic to fix the d**n thing.

Any help would be A+.

Answer 1

Does the yellow "Security" warning light on the dash flash when you are trying to start the car?

If so try the Passcode relearn procedure (takes 10-30 minutes).  

If that doesn't work you need a new Ignition Lock Cylinder

Answer 2

Google Malibu Security systems . Your car need a bypass module installed or you will have endless problems. Not very expensive.

Answer 3

hmm..in my honest opinion, i think its a clogged fuel filter or broke fuel pump or something in the combustion chamber that has mixed fuels in it...its not battery or sparks, 90% sure....the car won't start with a bad or dead battery; pop the hood as someone starts it..look at ur alternator to make sure its working via the belt or sound...if it is, then its all good if not then worst case scenerio that u could a bad alternator and a bad battery cause the battery can't hold a charge and the alternator can't recharge the battery if its broke...like i said, if thats not the case...clogged fuel system or mix in the chamber...make sure u follow routine maintenance as to when to change the spark plugs, battery, fuel filter, oil filter, tuning the engine, and such to reduce problems