Ok, here is the run down. A couple weeks ago my car starting have problems like the battery was dead. I played with it today and found the following. Battery tests at 12.4V. When I put the key in the ignition sometimes I have to wiggle it to recognize. When I turn it to the start position several different things happen. A) starter clicks and gauges go dead, B) starter clicks and loud click comes from lower left kick panel(VATS maybe?). C) Everything goes dead like the battery is disconnected. So all this leads me to think that its either 1) bad starter, 2)VATS is @#$@ up, 3) bad ignition switch.
I checked all the wires, and all are tight. If I hook up the jumper cables it will start but its a major fight. Once started I'm pushing a good 15.5 or 16 volts.
Anyone have any ideas what the problem might be? What steps can I take to narrow down the problem? Now here is another question. There is no ecm in in the vehicle anymore. Its completely removed. The engine is carbed. Will the VATS still hamper the system??

 

If the car doesn't have an ecm. I think its impossible to have a V.A.T.S problem.Sounds to me like you have a dead battery. Have someone crank the car while you hold the voltage meter in place on the battery.I'm just guessing here,but I think your voltage meter will go from 12.4v to about 4.5v when the key is turned to the start position.

 

Naw, I figured it out. The culprit... dirty battery connections.