Weird short circuit problem, need your help!

[tmarsh]

I have a 94 camry manual. The rear main seal was recently replaced, as was the clutch. Lately it has been idling hard....I attributed that to a dirty IAC and throttlebody. I cleaned those somewhat and have more or less fixed that problem....the real problem is this:

I tried to start my car tonight and ... nothing. So many weird things happening...basically the battery reads 12.6 volts, the interior light comes on fine and bright, as do the headlights. The radio won't come on. When the key is placed in the ignition I can hear the door chime - sometimes. I can turn the key and see the display on the dash of all the system lights, BUT, when I put my foot on the brake it all dies. Sometimes when I put my foot on the clutch it dies too. Needless to say this sucks and I am not sure where to begin looking. Is there a wire or two that run adjacent to the brake and clutch that may be shorting? Please help if you can.

Thanks - Aaron

[somick]

Need some clarification.
Does it die while running when you push on brake or clutch pedal? Or do you mean all lights die when you try to start it?
Do you hear any clicking when you try to start it? If you do, that might be your starter.

Sam

[AccordCodger]

First, it probably isn't a short.

My guess is you have a dirty/loose battery connection.

[marc780]

Yeah i think Codger could be right - try and twist your battery clamps, if you can do it with moderate pressure they are too loose, so shim them with a thin piece metal like an electrical connector to make them tight.

My second guess would be that you have a bad ignition switch, because so many systems are on the blink in your car. And all the voltage goes through the ignition switch.
Also i think that maybe your e;lectrical problems are intermittent because the switch is worn, and this is one sign of a worn out ignition switch.

[evhgame]

This is a classic case of either a bad or weak battery, loose connections, or a dead alternator. If your battery is reading 12.6 volts at the gauge, that should be enough. However a while back on my Probe, same issue. Bad battery ground wire.

The alternator case would only occur if the car ran ok the night before, go start it and get nothing. That can also be an electrical drain problem as well.

Conclusion, its a battery issue or battery connection issue.