2000 chevy cavalier wont turn over, lights and radio work

The starter motor on a car takes a lot of energy, you may be able to use the radio but not have enough power for the starter. You also might not be able to start it because the motor's starter or it's relay is bad. So here's what to do:

Check the connections on the battery, try loosening the connections and moving them around a bit, then tighten them down good.

Next go try to start it up again. If it still doesn't respond, turn your headlights on and see if they are still bright. If they are, then I would look into the starter or the starter relay.

The relay is in a box somewhere under your hood, possibly with some motor related fuses. Take the cover off and look at the under side of it. The cover should have a sticker displaying which relays do what. Now look for the air conditioner relay. Check to see if the air conditioner and starter relays have the same number printed or stamped on them. ONLY if the numbers mach, put the air conditioner relay in place of the starter relay, and try to start it again.

If you still get nothing, then it is either a bad starter or wire somewhere. On this car it may be a bit difficult to find and reach, but try to get to the starter on the bottom of the car. You can find pictures online of what it looks like if you are not sure. Play with the wires and knock on the starter with something hard like a rock or hammer. It doesn't take too much to do it, even a firm punch can do it, just don't break it. If this works then the starter is bad and needs serviced or replaced.

If there is still no response after this, there is nothing more you can do unless you are capable of taking things apart and checking the wiring. Good luck!

If no clicking or whirring noise you have a problem in the starting curcuit. If you can get at the starter cross the wires at the solonoid and see if anything happens. Check connections and make sure ur battery clamps are clean and tight. Do ur lights dim when u try start? If they do have battery checked--Your ignition could be at fault too..Check to see if u have a fusible link--It will be an orange wire from the battery to the ignition--if it is black it will be burnt and needs to be replaced--good luck

Starter bad