Major electrical problem, help please!!!

[b_diddy]

ok, heres the deal. lastnight, after work, i go to start my car, and as soon as i turn the key to ignite it, power cuts to the entire car. 5 secs or so, power returns, i try again, and again, power cuts. i take the key and clutch out and sit back for a sec. i put the key back on, powers back, go to turn it over, and it starts. i drive home fine. move the car 1.5 hours later, no problems. leave for dinner an hour after that, no problem. i leave from dinner, and again no problem. i stop at a music store, and again, no problem when i restart. so, this morning i go out to leave for work, and as i go to start it, it cuts power again. i let off the clutch and pull out the key. power returns, i attempt to start it again, and same result, power cuts. i pump the clutch, and a couple time, when the clutch is in, power returns, when i let it out, power cuts. im like, ok, wtf. i sit back and touch nothing for a minute or so, put the key is, power is back again, try to start it, power cuts. pump clutch, and it goes on and off again. i check my stereo wire, which runs under the clutch, no problem there, i check the egt probe wire, and its in pretty bad shape, its not severed, but its pretty beat up, soooo..... i try one last time, with the egt wire out of the way, same thing happens, i pump the clutch, power goes on and off. so, bye this, i assume there is a wire that got cought on a part of the moving clutch, and its now shorted, and activates when linked due to the clutch being in. could this be it? besides that theory, i have no clue. and even so, i have no idea where to begin to look. since im in RI, ill need typed advice, and anyone that wouldnt mind talking me throw something if its difficult. ok, thx in advance for all the help!!

Brock

ps. if any other info is needed, just let me know.

[DlandryTSI]

Check the battery terminals. Sounds like they are either dirty or loose.

--Dave

[hotrod]

I agree, clean the battery terminals even if they look good. You can get a bad connection there even without significant visible build up.

If that does not solve the problem, check the other end of the battery cables, both ground and starter lead to be sure all are tight.

If that does not solve it I'd look for an intermitent connection on the clutch safety switch if your car has one (only allows you to start the car with clutch peddle depressed). Sometimes ignition switches go bad too and will do some really wierd shit.

If it only happens when the battery is cold it could also be a broken connection strap inside the battery that pulls apart when its cold. Sometimes after a couple starting attempts you warm it up enough to make the connection close up. Go down to autozone and have them test the battery if all else fails.

Larry

[Van]

Originally posted by hotrod
I'd look for an intermitent connection on the clutch safety switch if your car has one (only allows you to start the car with clutch peddle depressed). Sometimes ignition switches go bad too and will do some really wierd shit.

This was my thought too. I'm not sure if the 2G is wired the same, but on a 1G you can just pull the connector off and the ecu thinks the clutch is always depressed so the car will always start. Maybe a 2G guy can comment on that switch here?

[wildfire0310]

on the thing with 2g. Yes 2g have a connector that you unhook so the car can be started with out the clutch in.

I don't know where it is at since I friend pulled mine out one day but if I were to guess I say it is nice and up there since was digging for it.

[b_diddy]

well, i appreciate everyones feedback, it ends up being that the negative battery terminal was loose, and rusty (must be the sea level thing lol) so, i cleaned it up a little, and tightned the connections down, and bam, problem solved. thank goodness this wasnt as bad as it seemed, i was a little worried. thx again to everyone!!