Electrical help

[sucker4stalefish]

my s14 wouldnt start yesterday. when i turned the key the clock turned off and the headlights wouldnt turn on so i figured the battery died overnight somehow. after jumping the car and letting it run off the alternator for about half an hour i figured the battery would be charged. i turn the car off and try to turn it back on and when i turn the key, everything shuts off: the stereo, clock, all lights, everything. now the car wont even jump start. just a clicking noise when i turn the key. when everything shuts off, it stays off for about 5 min then the interior lights, clock, and headlights will begin to work again. any suggestions?

[ThatGuy]

Have you tried a new battery?

[Al_S14]

in some cases if batt is completely dead jump box will not work. get a good battery ... put it in and once car is running make sure the alternator is charging. also make sure there is no corosion on the terminals

[gfisch]

Well, the fact that everything turns off when you turn the key (not just dimming the lights) makes it sound like there may be a short ciruit somewhere. Did you have any problems when you tried to start it from a jump start?

If not, then maybe it is just the battery or something wrong with the starter that is making it draw too much power.

-Greg

[the head]

90 percent there is a short between the cells inside the battery replace it.