problems starting; dies when starts

[msukumar]

This may be a bit long-winded, but here are all the symptoms:

Came out of coffee bean last thursday and couldn't start car. Starter solenoid wouldn't even click. So I combined both my batteries using a remote isolator switch (btw, the main battery measured 12.7V and the backup at 12.53V) and tried to start...still no click. Then I had my friend hammer the starter while key was in start position...still no click. Called the tow truck driver, and he made me try again. This time, the motor worked and sounded strong, but the car wouldn't start even though the engine was turning over.

When I brought it home, I tried again...sounded on the verge of starting, but wouldn't start. Tried again several times...sometimes it would do the fast clicking sound, sometimes it would crank, sometimes no clicking. Finally, on one try I pushed the clutch hard several times and the red gauge cluster lights (brake, etc.) came on (although flickering a bit), and the car started, but died after about 20 seconds. Next time, I just pushed the safety button under the clutch several times til the red lights stayed on and started again, but the engine died.

I replaced the starter yesterday and am still having the same problems. Also, the distributor was replaced two and a half years ago. Checked all fuses in engine compartment too. Tried jumping fuel pump to ground in diagnostic test circuit...didn't hear the pump, but i don't think that's the problem because car seemed to stay on long when revving. Fuel filter changed less than a year ago as well.

Finally, I just had a new Clifford Bullet IV brain reinstalled last Tuesday (last one was defective), which is wired into the starter and ignition. Wasn't having any problems like this before that. This is a frustrating problem, would appreciate help greatly.

[msukumar]

update:

Was able to start car by nudging a set of 4 wires going into alarm brain. But still took two batteries to start and if i nudged wires again while car was on, the car turned off. With just one battery or the other, starter clicks fast when red lights come on. Anyway, I'll probably check the connector.

[msukumar]

another update:

Put a new connector for those 4 wires...red lights come on now and car doesn't turn off once on. But still have a lot of trouble starting. Hear loud clicking sound (probably relays or solenoid), and each time it clicks, all the gauge cluster lights go out. Seems like the car requires way too much power to start.

[msukumar]

a third update:

Put new connectors for those four wires. Now red diagnostic lights come on and the car stays on when it starts. But still can't start off one battery alone most of the time. Wonder if there's something with high resistance in my starting system. Could it be a distributor problem?

[msukumar]

a 4th update:

Finally got a chance to make The Good Guys disconnect alarm, and now my car starts right up with no problem. Gonna complain to DEI and try to make them give my money back or force the dealer to reinstall the whole system.