When i put the key in the ignition and put it to the on position, i dont hear the fuel pump turn on. What i do hear is a rapid clicking noise from under the dash and my rpm needle jumping all crazy and all the lights stay on (including the check engine light). and then when i try to start the car, the lights go really dim. could this be a low battery problem? ive tried charging the battery but it still doesnt help.

 

sounds like a dead battery or a defective ignition switch

 

is it bad to try to start a car while the battery charger is connected to the car? i took the charger off and tried to start the car. I still didnt hear the fuel pump turn on, but this time theres no rapid clicking noise, and the rpm doesnt go crazy

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dxhatch93 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">my rpm needle jumping all crazy and all the lights stay on (including the check engine light). and then when i try to start the car, the lights go really dim.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This actually sounds like what happened before my alternator went, but would usually happen when i ran the car, and put it in park(yes i have an auto) my tach would hit like 500 and jump to 1500 and keep doing that over and over until i shut her off.

I would get your alternator checked.

 

it's not the alternator, the alternator doesn't do anything until you've cranked the car and usually takes over after it's been started

anyway, seems like a battery about to go to ****...get yourself a yellow top optima w/ reverse terminals and forget you ever had this problem

 

found out the problem to be the battery terminal. is was really corroded and i switched it out for a new one and everything works.