Originally Posted by kane

I was out running some errands today and I stop at the store. When I come back out and try to start the car it is dead. Won't crank over - just dead. I assume it is battery related. I get out, don't see anything obviously wrong, but try a few things and have no luck.

I have it towed to a shop. They tell me it is either a dead battery, a dead alternator or both. After several tests and an hour of troubleshooting, it turns out to be a $5 part. The freaking negative batter cable clamp had a crack in it and wasn't making good contact.