92 SE doesn't start

[roxics]

Hey everyone I've got a 1992 bonneville SE with 250k miles on it. New starter(last 4 months), newer battery and alternator(last 8 months).

Car is strong. Probably won't last me through the winter, but while it's summer I hope to use it as much as I can. I'll be buying a new car within the next couple weeks anyway, but until then I need this thing to run for me.

My problem is it doesn't start. It's like a power loss. The interior lights go on and the starter makes a clicking sound and all the lights inside flash, but it doesn't start.

However if I hook up some jumper cables to another car and then get into it and try starting it the thing snaps to life in about 2 seconds. Then I can drive it just fine. All day if I want, so long as I don't turn it off. Second I turn it off it won't restart. Same problem.

The only thing I can think of is that maybe it's an electrical short. My turn singal stick on my steering wheel is broke, so maybe that's the problem. maybe there is a short there. But to be honest I really don't know much about cars. This wil be my summer to learn.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[Hansnet]

do you have a DMM?

[roxics]

A what?

[GTP Dad]

It sounds like you have a short that is draining the battery or the battery cables are bad. I would check the battery terminals and make sure they are clean. The terminals sometimes corrode underneath and you can't see it. Also check the main ground to the engine block. Make sure it is making good contact.