Please Help-Starting Problems

[Bossco]

I have a 95 mx-3, b6 m/t. I have a new battery and a functioning alternator. When I turn the key, nothing happens-other than some clicking under the dash and the fan starts up...occasionally. If I boost it, it starts and runs perfect-until I shut it off and it is dead again. I know that there is an old aftermarket alarm and it is doing lots of clicking, etc. The siren would go off but I cut the wire so I could source the problem in peace, or maybe I cut it out of frustration. Could this be a clutch switch tied to a starter kill in the alarm? Has anyone experienced this sort of thing?

Thanks

[Newfie_dan]

first thing first disconnect the alarm, if you do not have the means to disarm it then it can be what is killing the car on you, they have also been known to be a slow drain on the battery. Now with that said replacing the alternator and battery may be the issue, check the charge voltage if its not at 14.2 volts with the car running then replace the alternator charge wire, second check the voltage at the starter solenoid with the car off, if its not at 12 volts or more then replace that wire as well. Voltage drops can kill off the ability to start and charge the car and are often overlooked hence the reason why boosting it can get it started.

[Ryan]

I'd also just look at battery terminals. Thats a common problem.

If the alternator was toast, it wouldn't continue to run after you boost it.

Could just be a crappy battery too.

[Bossco]

Thanks for these options. The battery posts are clean and the battery was just tested and charged. I also had the alt tested so the next step is to work through the wiring. It's funny because when I parked this car 8 months ago...no problems. I had thought about disconnecting the alarm but I am unsure if it is a matter of unplugging the main unit or not.

[Newfie_dan]

depends on how it was wired but its a good start to just unplug the main see if that fixes the issue or not. If you got the model and make for the alarm I may be able to help you with where to start on it.