I have a 1990 GXL that will not start. Yesterday, after the alarm randomly went off earlier in the day, the car wouldnt start. I disconnected the battery to reset the alarm, thinking that the alarm locked the ignition. After reconnecting the battery, the car started fine.

The next morning, the same thing happened again. I tried the battery reset thing again, but it still wont start. When the key is turned, the radio and lights and stuff come on, but when i turn the key further to start the car, all the lights go out and the battery voltage drops to near zero, like there is a short at the starter.

I figure it is a bad battery, bad starter, or the alarm system is locking the ignition.

Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

"drops to near zero" - It should hold 9-10 when cranking.

Have the battery checked.

Check the battery cables & clamps.
You want shinny bright metal-to-metal contact.

 

SureShot might have nailed it with a dead (or dying)battery...

A normal starter will act like a short if the battery is weak...

Since the alarm seems to have a mind of its own, it could be energizing the starter cut relay, something to check after you've replaced the battery...

 

I got the battery checked, and it was fine. Before I put it back, I cleaned the terminals and connections. Now it seems to start fine.

Thanks for the tips