1997 Ford Probe Starting Problems

When I try to start my 1997 Ford Probe, V-6 with a new charged battery, the battery immediately discharges, and I loose all electrical power for a short period of time. If I turn the key off, and turn it back on, the power is restored, but when I turn the key to the start position, the entire electrical system goes dead again. Fried starter shorting to ground?
How can I test for sure?
Thanks.

 

Sounds more like a bad connection at the battery or a loose or corroded ground connection to the engine.

 

But, if I just leave the key switch in the on position, all of the system components work. All of the idiot lights come on, the stereo works, the head lights come on. So it appears that juice is getting to all the places it needs...until I try to engage the starter.

 

Thats why I suggested what I did. All those other things are relatively low current draw. When you go to the start position, a bad connection can arc, and fail. Release the high current load by coming off the start position, and current can flow again to those small draw items.

Most accessories are disconnected when you go to the start position, though as far as I know lights are not one of them. Normally the lights will dim a bit when starting, but if they go out completely, I think thats a bad connection indication.

Not a mechanic, but I've seen that plenty of times and it was a loose connection.

Not saying thats definitley the answer, but its the first thing( and simplest) to check.

 

Agree with gunguy first thing to check is connections on both ends of both battery cables, and the condition of the cables themselves. The starter would be my next step if I did not find a problem with the cables.

 

I agree with both gunguy and twister. I had the same thing happen to me. cleaned and tightened the battery cables at the terminal and all was solved. Also check the ground on the engine block