1975 911S wont start-Electrical. Help...

[albert4000]

Two days ago the car started fine. Now it won't. When I turn the key on to start it sounds like the battery is weak and I hear a fast clicking sound from the left dashboard area. There is no sound from the starter. The fuel pump comes on because I came hear the sound of fuel being deliverd to the engine. When I turn the key on (without turning to start) the lights come on weak, but if I play around with the light switch, the turn signals, and the key sometimes I get the lights to brighten up to normal.

The battery is old, probably over 6 years. I tried to jump start with a battery charger set at 40 amp, but it did not help. Only the clicking from the dash was more intense. After I disconnected the charger I noticed that there was a light fizzling sound coming from the battery. The fizzle stop when I disconnected the battery ground cable. So... it sounds like I have a short somewhere.

Here is where I need help: What is the clicking sound from the dash? Any tips or ideas on what might be shorted or need replacing, or tips to locate the short?

Thanks in advance and have a nice day.
-Albert

[JTO]

Just a chance that the pin connector for the ignition switch has been bumped and has come lose. Reach up behind the dash and press the connector back onto the ignition switch. I've knocked mine loss while messing around with the pedal assmbly.

Troy

[stlrj]

It might be time for a new battery.

Joe

[bigchillcar]

six years sounds awfully old for a battery...i change mine every two years whether needed or not...cheap insurance. if the cells are that dead, then even with a charger hooked up, the dying battery is just sucking too many amps to start your car. my opinion.
ryan

[Allenk]

Kinda sounds like a bad battery cable to be. Either cable hot after trying to start? I had a similar problem w/ a cj5 I use to have. The cable corroded inside the insulating sheath and juice couldn't flow.