I need help. I have a 2003 5speed. When I turn the iginition key to auxillary (right before I start and depress the clucth), the insturment gauges sporadically flickers and a constant tick tick tick comes on. The car will not start (but will crank) if I try to start it while it does its weird ritual. But if I wait until the whole ritual process is over it will crank over and start. I also have to turn the radio off or else it will not start. Even if I wait, it sometimes won't start. The battery, alternator, and starter has been ruled out because it cranks over and start. I'm pretty sure it is an electrical problem, but I am not sure where to start. Any ideas would be helpful.

Thanks

 

First thing... check the radio fuses. They should have a stereo-like icon next to them in the panel (sorry, I don't recall which ones they are). Perhaps now would be a good time to check them all out (both inside and outside panels). Second, take the battery out and have it tested at your local Autozone or Advance Auto. Batteries don't always completely die; one cell could be dead or partially dead. Third, have a shop perform an electronic diagnosis to see what's going on. Your best bet is a European specialist or the dealership.