Over the past week or so I've noticed my car turns over about twice as long as normal before starting. Well tonight it only clicks once, as though the starter got stuck, but it also kills everything else in the car as if a fuse blew. If I disconnect and reconnect the battery everything starts working again except ignition. It clicks again and everything cuts out. Any ideas? Here's a quick video so you can see exactly what's happening.

https://youtu.be/OktgHnuKykk


1998 Honda Accord EX 4 cyl coupe

 

Was able to get it started by jumping it so replaced the battery and terminals. Haven't had anymore issues, yet, but there's gotta be a deeper issue, no? Would a bad battery cause this craziness with it killing everything and then allowing everything to work again when disconnecting and reconnecting the battery? I'd think it wouldn't do anything.

 

I am almost positive that turning the key to start the car shuts off power to everything except the starter, so I think that is normal behavior.

I'll have to pay attention the next time I start up my car to be 100% sure.

 

Pretty sure there's only 3 circuits through the ignition key switch.
1 - Accessories like windows & audio
2 - Engine stuff like PCM, spark, fuel, & dashboard warning lamps
3 - Starter signal (the small wire at the starter motor)

So #2 has to stay energized during starting, but #1 is switched off during starting.

"ACC" position = only #1 is energized
"ON" position = #1 & #2 are energized
"START" position = #2 & #3 are energized

The starter takes so much power, that a weak battery will be able to power the lights & audio, but the starter will draw down the voltage so low that the lights etc will look like they're dead. I'm not sure why they would remain dead after you let go of the key.