Hey guys, things not looking good for me. I currently have a 1996 Honda Civic LX automatic (Canadian model) and at the moment the car will not crank or start.
The fuel pump does prime as I hear it humming in the back, I hear the click of the starter ( I do not know if it is working or not ) I replaced the alternator recently with a new belt. Yet, as I turn the key it just shuts right off and whirrs down.

What I've checked:
Battery Voltage (12.28V) -- Have not checked the CCA.
The positive battery terminal connector tightening bolt snapped off -- I plan on replacing it with a new connector.

I am very new to working on cars, I'd really like help in how to diagnose what the problem is.
Worst comes to worst I'll bring it to a shop but I'd like the ability to fix it myself.

Thank you for your time!

 

If your hearing something from the starter, then assuming it's receiving power.. try just cleaning the battery ground to chassis and chassis to engine connections to clean bare metal first so the starter is getting full power and see if that helps.

 

Appreciate it, I'll get that checked.

 

Update: So what I did was replace the battery (the cca was 178) and I replaced the spark plugs (the original was burnt crazy), There is some slight stuttering, so I have slight suspicions of the distributor cap.

 

with your voltmeter hooked up the battery while key in start mode what is the voltage?

voltmeter hooked to battery B+ and positive side of starter what is the voltage while key in start mode?

voltmeter hooked to battery negative and engine block ( ground ) what is the voltage while key in start mode?