So im having a problem. Over the past month or so, ive noticed my car almost not starting on the first go, almost as if it was struggling to get the amps for the starter. Yesterday i was just driving along, and wham, airbag light comes on (on my way to grocery store). When i get back in my car with groceries, car struggles just for a split second, then cranks fine. This morning it was cold and it had some issues turning over quickly, but started on the second revolution of the engine (so right away)

clarification, when i say trouble starting im not talking about rrow rrrow slow, more like... rrretetetete, so just for a split second.

coming back from class i didn't notice any problems, but when i got back in my car 3 hours later, click click click when i turn the ignition. Windows will not roll up or down, and there is a clicking sound from the clutch pedal area when the key is in the "run" position.

I push started her, drove her to School (Clemson University).
on the way, i noticed a funny burning smell when i was at a traffic light, but that doesn't mean it was my car.

When i got to the parking lot, i stopped to put it in reverse, and when i turned the wheel, no Power steering. Gave the engine a small rev, and PS was back. (i drove the car for 15 minutes between home and work, and the car the whole way never went above 13.7 volts, and the battery did not charge)
at idle the PS fan is not on (is it supposed to be? or not?)

is this a short?

alternator?

 

also the car has 107k miles, and as far as i know, orriginal electrical systems.
(other than the stereo)

 

Gotta say, could be several things, but battery or alternator sounds like a good first step, id check those first, the airbag light may not be related. could be belt tensioner, but if the ps comes back, then that should all be intact. I'd look around under the bonnet, check the battery and alternator, along with the cables. Make sure nothing is running after it shuts off, like the ps pump, or the ps fan.

 

ok, today, tried it again. Battery tested fine. over 600 amps and 13 volts, but still no crank.

Instead i get a simultaneous chirp and click. The chirp is the "door not shut when locking" chirp.
My roommate said my daytime lights also flash in unison with these chirps, and afterwards i can here the relays in the kick-panel going crazy as long as i leave the key in the run position.

 

all fixed!
root of problem? - glazed and corroded battery terminals (2 month old battery...)