Car loses all power when key goes into ignition

[Mangudai]

I'm not sure if its the action of me putting the key in or starting to turn it but I know before im even able to attempt to crank it goes out when this happens. What would cause the whole car to lose power like this? If it was a short in the ignition system surely only that would be inoperable? Its intermittent, it may happen 2-3 times a week or never. But when it does im unable to turn on my headlights or dome light. If I wait 5-10 minutes power is restored like nothing happened.


Edit: '96 auto if it makes a difference.

2nd edit: I tried to turn the car on again slowly this time..it loses power when I turned the key to accessories.

[hisoka]

get a volt meter, and check your battery and check your grounds.

this sounds normal for dieing battery.

let us know how you go.

EDIT: sounds like a loose ground for sure

[EDT007]

Sounds to me that you have a problem with the ignition switch. Try putting the key in and turning it slow towards start and see if it occurs. While I wouldn't say it's a very common problem it has been known to happen with S14's. Goodluck.

[BoxerJackJohnson]

COuld be Severly Dead Batt, or possibly old Security system that is malfunc.? check batt first with volt meter if its way under 12 volts its dead

[Schassis707]

Had the same problem, My terminal was split and unnoticable untill u pull it off an look, i replaced it and everything works fine now. check that out and check your grounds.

[Mangudai]

First of all thanks for the replies.

You're referring to the battery terminal? I'll check it out thanks.

[shiftdrift]

battery terminal.