went from running, to not running over night

used to start up drive and run, then one night it had a hard time. i would push the clutch in, turn the ignition, and as soon as it gets to the point in the turn where the engine would crank over, the entire electrical system shuts off, and will not turn on again for 10-15 min. of wire jiggling and ****.

none of the lights work on the interior or exterior HOWEVER, when i press the emergency lights, there is a terrible grinding electrical sound emitting from the gauge cluster

hoping this is just a ground... anyone have advice for me?

 

Sounds like your engine fuse box doesn't have a proper connection from the battery. Try checking the Black wire that goes from the positive terminal on the battery to the engine fuse box. If your headlights are not working then chances are either the connection mentioned above is no good and or your fuses are in need of replacement. It's time to break out the multimeter!

 

yeah the wiring seems to be fine, nothing is rusted out, cut, or disconnected. not sure what the problem is

 

Oh boy! Try turning the headlight **** all the way and then go to the headlight relay mounted in front of the radiator and see what the voltage reading is on the Red wire as it should read battery voltage, and no key is necessary. Also, did you get a voltage reading of the Black wire that leads from the battery to the engine fuse box as it connects to the fuse box. Again, no key necessary? Lastly, did you check the voltage of the battery itself?

 

I misspoke earlier with regards to turning the headlight **** for while it would be necessary to turn the lights on it doesn't have any affect as to whether the Red wire would have power or not for that particular wire "should" have constant voltage.