'94 SL1, loud center console clicking then it died

I've never posted an intro here, so I hope it's not rude to suddenly
post my problem. However, I'm lost as to what to think - so here goes!

This morning when I started my 1994 manual transmission SL1 I noticed
the battery light was on. I kept driving, but noticed my wipers and
automatic windows were moving very slowly. I pulled into a friend's
work to have him look at it (without shutting it off), but left fairly
soon afterwards. As soon as I began driving again the center console,
underneath the emergency brake, began clicking loudly. I pulled over
and turned around to head home. By then my car was cutting out and the
dash lights were flickering on and off. I pulled over again just as the
car died.

Now, when we turn the key to 'accessory' the dash lights come on like
normal, but the car doesn't start. The center console ticking continued
- even with the car shut off - until my husband unhooked the wire clip
underneath the plastic cover (under the e-brake).

Ok, I know that's a load of info. Where do we begin? Does this sound
like an electrical problem? Who do I search for to repair something
like this? FWIW, I recently had the battery and alternator tested and
they were fine.

Ugh - thanks in advance.
Tracy

 

Sounds to me like the alternator is bad and taking out the battery. You
should have the electrical system checked and may end up replacing both.
Good luck.

Bob

 

<- until my husband unhooked the wire clip
< underneath the plastic cover (under the e-brake).

some husbands are useful for doing more than taking out the garbage <g>

Sounds like a bad charging system ie Alternator. Could also, considering the
age of the car, be a bad ground. Gone are the days of nice solid steel
frames that acted as a good ground distribution plane. Have the ground
straps inspected.
When the battery voltage is low from a bad alternator or battery, all sorts
of strange things may happen.

 

my 93 automatic did the very same thing and it was the battery. it was
clicking and did everything yours did. i took it to the local shop and he
diagnosed it very quickly. i took the console apart and everything but i
should have taken it in to begin with (not being a mechanic and all)!

 

Yep, I think we're going to try replacing the alternator.

<some husbands are useful for doing more than <taking out the garbage
<g>

What? Some husbands take out the garbage?? I'm getting short-changed -
lol.

 

Have a auto parts store test the battery 1st.