1996 Chevy Cavalier wont start

Test your battery and alternator.

A little more information will help me help you.?

Are there any signs of battery life, such as radio, headlights, etc. Anything like that working?

Is the engine trying to crank over at all? Or is it just clicking?

Yeah, a engine needs fuel and spark to run. (Wise man, your husband was)

If it is cranking then I would assume that it is either the battery, corroded battery terminals or alternator.

You say you charged the battery, this would eliminate the battery if there were no previous signs of a weak battery (such as dimmer lights?). However, if the battery is completely dead, sometimes a charger can't bring it back to life.

Make sure your battery terminals are tightened on the battery really good and there is no corrosion (usually white/green looking powder residue) on the terminals.

If all is good here, I would suggest having someone remove the alternator for you and take it to a local auto part store to test it (for free). AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Advance Auto Parts are a few that test for free. While you are at it, take the battery as well and they can also test it for free.

If you need instructions on how to remove the alternator just let me know and I will supply them to you.

Thanks for using 2carpros. Com! I hope I have helped.