So after doing some Christmas shopping, I get in my car, try to start it and nothing. It didn't even attempt to turn over. Interior lights came on on the dash, so I immediately ruled out battery issues. There was not even clicking under the hood. I was able to roll start it luckily.

I'm guessing starter or starter relay, however I'm pretty clueless when it comes to cars. Any suggestions on how to isolate (or even fix?!) the problem before I wind up taking it to an auto place? Thanks in advance guys!

 

First
Check that both battery cables are tight
Check positive battery cable for inside corrsion

 

BlueSaturn --

I have to agree with SW2cam ... the positive main battery cable may well be the culprit. Battery acid can get under the jacket of the cable, and eat it up, just like termites do to a wooden beam in your wall. It'll still pass current to run lights inside the car, but cannot handle the heavy current necessary to run the starter motor.

Then too, sometimes the satrter motor will fail too, but I'd check the cables first ....

 

Thanks guys I'll check it tomorrow after work and let yall know