Details
Chevy Malibu 09
Low on coolant (still visible in the tank so not entirely out)
Belts are fine-Never overheated.
Timeline
One day it didn't start (don't remember it cranking) but then it started right after.
Second day, it happened a couple of times and had a harder time but yet started and worked fine.
Third day, it would not start and hasn't started since.
I bought new battery terminals, had a used battery that had 56% so I took it back and got another used one. Nothing happened. (The radio also was able to stay on for a few days when it wasn't running and now it doesn't turn on at all)
Can it be the key as well?
The Owners Manual said that it may have a feature named "PASS-Key+ Electronic immobilizer". It uses a radio frequency transponder in the key that matches a decoder in the vehicle. The cover of my key broke off so I was scared the chip would fall and needed something to hold my other keys so I wrap Electrical Tape around it so the chip wouldn't fall out. That's around the time I started encountering the problems. Maybe the black electric tape messed up the radio frequency somehow?
I also reconnected the back speakers (that came with the car, no subs) prior to any of this. Owner Manuel also mentions "The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories you could change the way the engine operates"
Or how do I know if the key is just too worn out?
I know it may be the starter but I want that to be my last option since I'm a broke college student. It also can't be jump started. Tried with the old battery and new.