80 won't start unless foot on ground (1 Viewer)

[keatoFZJ80]

Crazy s*** going on with my 80. I've been having battery issues for a few months. I definitely need a new battery but I'm too broke so yeah.

Basically, when it needs jumped, sometimes I'll turn the key over and the dash lights up, airbags charge but starter doesn't do anything (sometimes it might have one small attempt at cranking) usually I just get out a jump it and it is good.

HOWEVER, sometimes I'll try to turn the key a few times with no crank and if I keep at it I'll magically get one crank then two and then bang it starts. (Weird right?)

Oh but it gets better, I've figured out that after like five tries of turning the key if it still doesn't work, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GROUND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR AND IT STARTS RIGHT UP.

From dead to starting right up if my foot is on the ground. Weird. Any thoughts?

 

[voodu3]

My first check would be the connections at the battery and the starter. Then check your main ground cables. My guess is one of them is loose and when you put your weight on the ground there is enough flex in the body or suspension that it makes contact.

 

[jonheld]

Have you tried swinging a live chicken over your head while facing east?

Power source issue. Battery terminals, fusible links, etc.

 

[Old Nick]

In addition to the above, if you still have the alarm/immobilizer installed... pull it. That was the source of the no crank/no start on my wife's 80.