Rep Power: 256

Ok. I ran into the store today to pick up some groceries, came out ten minutes later and the car was completely dead. No electronic devices were working, no lights, no music, no keyless remote...NADA! So i was like wtf. I know it wasn't the battery cause it can't die in 10 minutes, plus I also tried to jump it. Still nothing. I checked grounds and fuses and everything was ok. So I came to the conclusion it was the starter, but that doesn't explain a totally dead car.

So I stood there for 2 hours at the store trying to figure out wtf was going on. I then notice the engine fuse box was ticking like a time bomb every time i take the key out of the ignition. So I shook the fuse box and wiggle the wires a lil bit, and the lights in my car came on. The car then started. There was no power going to the fuse box, so nothing was working.

The thing is, the wires were tight and securely connected, and I've never messed around with the fuse box. I assume the 2 white wires connected to the fuse box is from the positive lead (which I've never took out and is securely connected), but I don't see the ground anywhere. That's the one thing I didn't check. I got the car home, but it happens every other time I try to start the car. If anyone know the slightest idea, any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 307

When the problem occurs again try this... Keep the door open and make sure the dome light or map lights are switched on. With the under hood box lid off try gently pushing on the larger fuses (40 and 80 IIRC) while watching the dome lights see if they flicker or start to work. If not try other areas of the fuse box and check for changes. Try to narrow down area that causes change.

 
Rep Power: 256

The weird thing is the fuses have nothing to do with it. I shook the entire fuse box, not the fuses, and that's how my car started. I'm sure it's a lose wire, but where?

 
Rep Power: 307

Use the same method and gently move some wiring around and look for a change.

 
Rep Power: 256

I did what you suggested and it's still the same. I woke up this morning to a completely dead car. Anyone else knows what's going on? Probably just a bad fuse box?

 
Rep Power: 256

Ok some of the electronic devices are working, but it would be very weak. The headlights are dim, and the power windows go up and down super slow.

Everytime I try to start the car, I would hear a click. If I turn the key any further, I'd get a very rapid tapping noise, like a machine gun. This is all coming from the fuse box. What could be making these noises in the fuse box?

Once in a while, a clicking noise is coming from where the ECU is. This is driving me nuts, as I have absolutely no idea where to begin. HELP PLEASE!

 
Rep Power: 307

Got a DMM handy ?? Your last post sounds like a low battery. The clicking from the fuse box is likely the relays making noise, or you are hearing the starter solenoid in and out.

When the system is dead again I would start by measuring voltage on the main fuses to see if it is present there.

 
Rep Power: 256

I got 2 batteries on hand, each measuring 11~12 volts. Both doesn't work. Pretty new batteries too, so I'm really sure it's not it. The car did start yesterday, no problem. My description of the problems has "low battery" written all over it, but I tried to jump it from 3 different cars and the problem persists.

The relay in the fuse box is ticking like mad, but i'm not sure which one. What could be causing all electrical components to be mal/non functioning? Put aside the car not starting for a bit.
This doens't explain why keyless remote, lights, dash, etc are getting very low to no power at all.

Thanks for your help Craig.

 
Rep Power: 263

Feels like a ground issue. What's going on with your negative battery terminal?

 
Rep Power: 256

I don't know what you mean by "what's going on with the negative terminal" but it's just connected to the chassis. I even took it out to clean it and scratch all the paint off the surrounding area. I will check it once again. Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 256

Ok I checked the ground on the battery once again, but the problem still persists. This does sound like a ground issue but besides from the battery terminal, where else can I check for a loose ground? Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 307

My ground runs about 6"-8" to the chassis (assuming that is the connection you scraped and re-connected) it also runs after that bare of insulation to a bolt on the transmission (auto) Do you have a similar wire on yours ??

When you say the problem persist...Complete dead problem or dim lights and clicking noise problem ??

 
Rep Power: 256

So i gave in and went out and bought a new battery, re-cleaned all the terminals, double checked all grounds, and still the same ****.
So now I'm really thinking it's the starter. I got a tip from a friend to rock the car back and forth, and this would re-engage the starter (considering you have a bad one), and what do you know, this bitch started.

What I'm angry about is how a starter can go to complete **** in 4 years. I'm totally pissed right now, cause it's gonna run me at least 200 bucks. Do you know where I can get a starter for cheaper? Thanks.