Help! It won't start

[Treadted2]

Here is what happened...

I went to start my 84 GW yesterday, and when I turned the key, it started to crank. When I turned the key back to stop cranking it, it kept on going. Then the motor turned and started running while it was cranking it also. Eventually it drained the battery, and shut off, but it wouldn't respond to the key. I asked a mechanic who worked on it what the problem might be, and he said that when the battery gets low, sometimes it can freak the solenoid out, and it won't disengage the starter for some reason. He said that if I charge my battery up, it should start right up fine.

Ok, so I did. When I turn the ignition key to the on position, all the lights come on, and it gives the little ring, but when I turn it, something clicks, and then everything shuts off. There is no power anwhere. Does anyone have a clue of what this might be?

Thanks

Ted

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84' Grand Wagoneer "Dove"
-AMC 360
-Stock axles(AMC20(R) & Dana44(F)), tranny(?) & transfer case(NP229)
-MSD TFI upgrade
-K&N Air filter
-Rough Country 3" lift
-Heckelthorne Hydro shocks
-Yokohama Prodigy AT 31X10.5 tires
-American Racing 15X8 Chrome Nugget wheels
-blue fuzzy dice!!

*fuel injection and an MSD 6A ignition will soon be added. Hello 16-17 mpg!!

[Mud Thrasher]

If you have an amp/ohm meter go and check your starter relay. Also your starter could be sticking. Just a hunch but take a hammer and rap on it a few times and see what that does. But my bet would be the relay.

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'78 Chief 360/quadra-trac
D-44 f&r/3.55 r&p/31x10.5x15 G/Year Mt's
dual exhaust
Mallory Unilite Dist.
Edelbrock 4bbl 1405 carb
lined gas tank
free rust/new body soon

[88GW]

Same thing happened to my 88. I ended up replacing the starter and all is well.

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[Treadted2]

I just replaced my starter. So I am hoping that isn't the reason. I will check the starter relay. thanks

Ted

[wagdriver]

One other culpert you can check is the ignition switch it self they get old and worn and don't function correctly. I have heard of them causeing the problem you describe. I am talking about the switch that is mounted on the steering column, not where you insert the key.
Didn't you get a FI system from the TPIguy? If so how did it work out?