I've googled this to death and thus far nothing I've read is working.

Problem:
I try to start the car and either it starts right up or when the start button is depressed all gauges drop to nothing appearing to have lost battery power. Then there is a metallic clicking sound either in the dash or where the starter is, I'm not 100% sure. After a few seconds or when I release the start button everything resets like I just turned power on.

Tried:
-no error codes.

1 - Replaced battery, thinking since the car is 10yr old and sits in garage 98% of the time I'd start there. This exact symptom didn't change with the new battery.

2 - Battery cables are loose enough I can twist them by hand to a point where they meet enough resistance to stop. I've cleaned them and even went as far as to C-clamp them on to make sure they made good contact with the post. I'll probably still change this but do not think this is the issue still.

- I've read it could be the column steering lock but the symptoms don't quite match.
- Possible new battery is bad and lacks the CCA to work right. but when it does start it starts easy and no effort to turn over.
- Starter? This car does have long tube headers and maybe cooked the starter? Not sure how to check this.


Open to any and all ideas on what I can do and check before I end up having to tow it to a shop.

 

I would lift the car and look at the battery connection at the starter. It is fairly common for that connection to be loose or broken and since you have headers it's even more likely it may be melted at the solenoid terminal.

 

I had this EXACT SAME issue on my 06 MN6 Z51 Coupe. Turned out to be a BAD Body Control Module.

The IPC goes DEAD except for ONE LITTLE YELLOW light on the IPC.

Car was stranded in the Mohegan Sun Casino Parking lot. I was frustrated and went from ACC to START 20-30 times and it started.

I also found out that IF,,, you disconnect the battery for 30-60 seconds, it will reset the BCm and allow it to start. At least it worked for ME.

Another sad fact,,,,, The BCM is N O T a plug and play replacement.. You have to get the dealer to program it in the system..

Bill

 

I doesn't take much to crack the bakelite solenoid housing. If the battery cable wiggles at all, the solenoid is broken. Then pull the starter and an auto electrics shop can put a new one on for $30-40. Anything you can put between the headers and the starter as a shield will help longevity.

 

Check starter terminals. If loose tighten. If corroded clean. If ok change starter.
Pay attention to the gauges, they flatline even when car ctarts. It's normal.