I have a 1996 SE, which ran great until now.

One week ago, I noticed that the keyless entry wasn't working, which was odd. Trying to start yielded only silence, leading me to believe that the battery was dead.

I went to the parts store and bought a new battery and put it in (more powerful than the old battery, mind you). At that time it started up and I went on driving.

Today is the first time I've attempted to drive it since then, and the symptoms were the same. No keyless entry, no power at all, and of course I didn't start.

My thought is that the alterator is broken.

Is there anything I can do besides bringing it into the shop (an option that I have no money for).

Many big chain parts stores can test your alternator off the car.

What is the volt gage reading at idle? You could have a current drain.

I put my money on a current drain. Your car can't drive off a battery alone. Do you have any after market electronics?