Just today, the car appears to short all to heck whenever I put the key into the run position (if I turn it all the way to start, then everything goes black). The headlights will not come on, but I do hear something trying to jump/turn/something.

The dash and interior lights all look good until I hit the run position and then they all get really dim.

I am leaning towards the starter (it is original), but I wanted to see if there is a relay or fuse that could be the issue.

It might just be a cooincidence, but 2 days ago the car acted like the main relay was going out. I put a new relay on and it did not help the problem. The fuel pump will prime. The battery says 12.34V and goes near 100% on the load meter.

I also put a new ignition switch on last month.

Ideas? Let me know if you want me to test something.

If it matters I have 350K and the car is mostly original save for some newer parts.

 

Since you have a new ignition switch I suggest you check your battery connections and possibly voltage drop the cables.

 

Check the ignition swich as well since contacts may get bad.

 

The ignition switch checks out with a DMM.

Good idea on the cables - I will check those when I get back home.

I saw a spark in the solenoid this morning - might be a tell tale sign. Is there any chance that a "going-bad" solenoid could affect the other starting capabilities and make it hard to start (like the main relay is going out)?

Thanks for the help so far. I have got to get to 400K on this baby since I just put a new timing belt and oil pan on and need to get my money and time's worth.

 

I got the starter issue fixed with a new battery cable. Now I am back to the car not wanting to start.

I still have the issue of the car not wanting to start. I can sometimes get it started if I hit the gas while I am cranking it. It will oftentimes take 4 or 5 good crankings to get it to start even with the extra help with the gas pedal. It almost seems like it is more apt to start near the end of the cycle. Once started, it will run ok but not as good as normal. I put on some more parts last night that I had laying around and none of them helped (cap, rotor, coil and fuel filter).

I checked the ignition switch yesterday with a DMM, but now I am wondering if the start position is bad on this thing even though it checked out. I also put on a new main relay since this seemed just like a relay issue at first.

Any idea of things to check?

 

The thing just now gave me a code 9....finally. I guess that I should replace the whole distributor? It is original...