[Don Z.]

This is just strange.

Turn the key. Engine turns over, does not fire. Turn the key again. Solenoid clicks, then all electrics shut off.

At first, I thought it was the switch itself shorting out, so I replaced that. Fully charged the battery.

First turn. Put the key to "run". Solid whine from the CD box. Radio works. Headlights on, then back off to start. Turn to start: Solenoid click, no more radio, no more CD.

Wait five minutes. Trunk light still on (noticed that when I hooked up the battery charger again. But no electrics anywhere. Five minutes later, the headlights still don't work, but I can flash brights... turn the headlights on, no light... but the fuel guage swings past full. Turn the lights off. Turn key on. Fuel gauge goes to three quarter (that seems right for the actual level). Turn to start... engine spins for about five seconds, does not fire. Rather than just spin it for thirty or forty seconds, I let go of the key... turn to off, back on. CD Box whine. Try to start it again, click... no more electrics.

Repeat cycle every ten minutes or so for an hour.

Swear in both English and German... Still can't get the thing to go. Starter? Solenoid? Loose ground someplace? No idea, but very frustrated...

Suggestions?