my car wont start, i have checked the starter and replaced it and that is not my problem it started once then it wont start again so i am ruling out the fusable links and neutral safety switch because nothing works when i turn the key so voltage isnt even getting 2 the safety swith. i charged the battery up all the way and even tried to jump start it, the battery has about 12.8 volts but when i measure say the cig lighter or any other wire inside the car it usually reads 8 volts or less and when i try to pop the hatch or honk the horn it makes a clicking noise and wont work do i have a possible short or could my battery cables be bad? how do i check for a short?

 

first of all, make sure your battery conn is good..
make sure your battery is fully charged...
and remove the fuses one by one...check the voltage again after each fuse.
when u find the system at fault, get a wiring diagram, make sure the connections are good, and go to town on it.

prolly not the easiest way to do it...but its served me well.

trust me...i hate wiring...but my old datsun is always being a pain when it comes to it =/

 

You do realize that the voltage for the ignition switch comes from one of those fusible links down at the starter solenoid don't you? I would check them and also make sure that you have good connections there and also check the engine grounds.