Won't start, even with push. WTH is anti theft?

[mccrob]

Got a 5 speed 99 4x4 3.0l, worked fine then all of sudden starter stopped working, replaced with a good one. Now I got nothing, soon as I turn the key the power cuts out, and it will not start by popping the clutch either. Just heard about anti theft mode, any ideas ? I have checked the fuse, relays, ground wires and am stumped. Would really appreciate any help.

 

[Half Nuts]

Anti theft mode would be indicated by the dash light blinking when the key is turned to the on position. Anything there?

 

[RonD]

Reads like a bad battery connection, remove and clean both terminals on the battery, "-" is even more important than "+".
I assume "+" was cleaned already at the starter motor end so do the same for the Ground "-" cable

 

[Metalcrack]

Power cuts out....meaning no cranking....just some clicks of relays?

 

[Big Jim M]

Have you checked the original starter to see if it was indeed BAD? Could be you replaced a GOOD starter and the problem is and was somewhere else.
Clicking is probably the starter solenoid. Most times it indicates a bad battery. If the starter spins and the engine doesn't fire could be many things.
If the starter does not spin check relays. This can be done by simply pulling one ans swapping it with another to see if one is bad.
Could also be the key switch. Hot wiring can find this problem.
The very first thing to do is make sure the battery has 12.4 volts. If below 12 volts replace it and start over again.
Big Jim

 

[adsm08]

If you get one big click and then lose all power when the key it turned to start then you have a poor connection at one end of one of the battery cables. A weak connection at the batter can power the radio, the lights, etc, but the starter is the biggest load in the system, and it can overload and shut down a weak connection at the battery.

Like Ron said, pull the battery cable and clean them, also give the ends a little tug and make sure the wires are secured in them. I've had two ends go out on my recently.