problem with car not starting

[1996TalonEsi]

Last week my car wouldnt start, I just replaced a battery, and had my alternator checked and it was good. It started fine until this morning. I go to start my car and nothing, no click no anything. If I move the key to ON, then wait a second and try to start, I hear a click but it wont turnover. If I insert the key and try to start it quickly like I usually do, it wont even make a clicking noise.

Also, I noticed that if the key is in ON and i press/tap my brake pedal, then the dash lights will go out. Is this normal? What should I look for? My car has 156k on it, I've had it since 118k. I'm getting a new engine on friday because mine has broken rings and leaks oil. Any help is appreciated.

 

[1996TalonEsi]

also, my headlights will not turn on at all.

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

You my friend have a bad connection some where. The question would be where. I'd start at the battery and work my way back. Especially when you tap the brakes and the dash lights go out. Sounds like a broken or loose ground. That can cause "bizarre" things to happen. As far as the starting goes, You need to find out if you are losing voltage to the starter when you find it doesn't start. Get a test light or multimeter for this. We cannot suppose anything. Do some voltage tests when it is in a failure mode. Post the findings and let us know. Check the voltage to the headlights too. Check to and from the headlight switch etc.

That way we have actual numbers to work with.

 

[1996TalonEsi]

thanks for the reply. It was a loose battery cable. I was checking the wires coming from the starter and noticed the positive cable was moving, I took pliers and made the metal terminal ring smaller so it would fit tighter on the battery terminal, then connected it and started right up. I just put a put in a battery last week, guess it just worked itself loose or something. Thanks.