weird shorting problem, need help

[tmarsh]

I have a 94 camry manual. The rear main seal was recently replaced, as was the clutch. Lately it has been idling hard....I attributed that to a dirty IAC and throttlebody. I cleaned those somewhat and have more or less fixed that problem....the real problem is this:

I tried to start my car tonight and ... nothing. So many weird things happening...basically the battery reads 12.6 volts, the interior light comes on fine and bright, as do the headlights. The radio won't come on. When the key is placed in the ignition I can hear the door chime - sometimes. I can turn the key and see the display on the dash of all the system lights, BUT, when I put my foot on the brake it all dies. Sometimes when I put my foot on the clutch it dies too. Needless to say this sucks and I am not sure where to begin looking. Is there a wire or two that run adjacent to the brake and clutch that may be shorting? Please help if you can.

Thanks - Aaron

[toyomoho]

This could be more then one problem. Your battery voltage is fine.

Have you checked the radio fuse?

What happens when you put your foot on the clutch or brake without the engine running. Do any lights dim, etc as if there is a short?

I wonder if when braking, you are causing the engine to move just a little bit. And this is causing a wire to disconnect (or short) monentarily. Engaging the clutch might also cause the same thing. I would think if this were a constant short, a fuse would blow.

Or perhaps there is a loose wire under the dash near the brake and clutch petals, or your legs if it can hit the wiring. With engine running, try moving the wires in these areas.

Does this car have a clutch and or brake lockout switch tied into the starting circuit?

[Digger1]

My guess is that the voltage you are getting on the battery is a surface charge only. I'll bet the battery would fail a load test.