When I hit the switch on my vehicle all lights come on like normal as soon as I hit to go start it, it clicks lights go out?

Hi,

I don't feel it is the ECM. What you described is textbook for a poor connection. Make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight. If they are, inspect where the ground from the battery bolts to the engine.

Take a look through this link and let me know if it mirrors what you are experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

If the battery terminals are tight, I would recommend removing them and making sure there is no corrosion between the terminals and the battery posts.

Let me know.

Joe

Everything that you sent to me I've done and the other evening I took the starter off and the Bendix wasn't kicking out when I did a bench test on it so I don't know if that could be the issue or not I haven't had a chance to replace a starter yet if you have any other ideas that I could check that'd be great. thank you

Hi,

Usually, when the Bendix doesn't kick out, the starter solenoid is faulty. However, that shouldn't cause all power to be lost. Often you will hear a grinding sound or at least the starter spin when it gets energized. I guess there could be an internal short drawing too much and causing a power loss, but I would think the starter fuse would fail in that case. But anything is possible.

If the starter gear isn't kicking out, take it to a parts store and have them bench test it just to confirm it is the problem. Most do it free of charge. If it proves faulty, replace it and see if that eliminates the problem.

Let me know.

Joe