car died

If you can safely do it, take it to the parts store for a charging system test - it should be free.

Very simply stated, a charged battery should have 12.6 volts. So when you have the car idling if you show more than that, you are charging to some degree. You can consult your repair manual for more specific numbers (some of the posts in here have numbers which differ from what the repair manual shows).

BTW, it is normal when the system drops to around 10 volts or so, for the radio, center mounted clock and other stuff (including the ABS) to shut down.

Good luck.

starter will turn but won,t crank. or starter won't turnover at all.

Huh? If the starter turns (assuming the bendix is engaging; If it werent, that would be a whole issue right there), then the engine should turn over.

No cranking = nothing happens when you turn the key to start the car.

Cranking = whir whir whir noises as the starter turns the motor over, but it wont 'catch'.

Catching = starts and runs on its own.