In advance, I'm an idiot who knows bugger all about cars.

I just changed the headlamps in my 98 TF 3.0 Sedan, which took a lot longer than I expected, and while that appears to have been a success, so to speak, the car now will not start. I'm guessing I short circuted something electrical. I was listening to the car's radio while I performed the job - so the key was half turned - this is probably where I went wrong. About halfway through I noticed the radio had stopped .. at which point I took the key out of the ignition, and finished the job.

Now the stereo system will not turn on when the key is half turned, and the engine wont start - doesn't even try and kick over. Most other electrical systems seem to be working fine including the headlights, however when I try to lock the car with the remote it won't lock, however it will unlock using the remote.

Anyone have ideas? I *need* to use the car tomorrow afternoon. Cheers, and HELP!!

Hi mate - welcome to the forums.


More likely is that you sent the battery flat .. how long were listening to the radio? If it was an hour or more you may have put your battery too flat.. especially if its not in the best of condition. Various different circuits will work to varying conditions under a certainly flat battery .. do the headlights seem dim?

I'd try a jump / charge it and see how that goes. If you have a multimeter, check the voltage.


Other option is a fuse but it doesn't make the most sense you shorted something in the engine bay, with blew a fuse for your radio which then somehow is stopping the car from starting ... as all the circuits have their own fuses and it's not too likely you blew one of the main ones.

Flat battery - that did occur to me, but I figured since the headlights were still working it was unlikely. I was listening for a good hour I'd say - first time I've changed the lamps. And they did seem quite dim. Thanks.

Flat battery - that did occur to me, but I figured since the headlights were still working it was unlikely. I was listening for a good hour I'd say - first time I've changed the lamps. And they did seem quite dim. Thanks.

Yeah .. get a mate or go buy one of those jump starters - Supercheap in WA had them for $40 recently although usually flat when you first get them and takes a good 24 hours to charge.

everythign else may still work but your solenoid will not throw