On your charging issue, first check that when you turn your ignition key to the run position without starting the car that the red charging lamp on the dash lights up. If this bulb is blown or has a bad connection your alternator will not charge. If still no charge, then your light should be coming on. Check your voltage at the battery when the car isn't running, then check it with it running, you should see about 11-12 volts static and 13.5-14.5 running. You can also just look at the headlights and see the difference running and not. I would definitely check your battery connections, as they probably need to be taken off and cleaned regardless of the problem. Disconnect the neg. post first to avoid sparks from the wrench grounding. Again, that little red dash bulb, if it doesn't work you can't charge as that provides the alternator with a trickle of power to excite the coils to get it charging. My car wandered when I bought it and I found the rear shock mounts in the trunk were loose. There are many other reasons, so just keep searching these posts and you will tighten things up in no time.
