Is the Anti-theft device defective????

I have an anti-theft device on my PT Cruiser. You must turn on the headlights
to start the engine. Every now and then, even with the headlights on, there is
no cranking. Everything else works. And there's a lot of noise, clicking from
either under the dash or in the engine compartment. This occurs after it won't
crank and the key is released from the crank/start position.
I'm guessing the problem is in the relay for the anti-theft device and is not
related to the actual starting system in the car.
Any ideas??

 

Sounds like a discharged/bad battery to me. Can you measure the voltage
using a digital or analog volt meter before you attempt anything, when the
headlights are turned on, and again when you are trying to start the
vehicle?

If its still the original battery you'll likely see a low voltage when you
try to start the car so a replacement would likely solve the problem.

Bob

 

<< Sounds like a discharged/bad battery to me >>
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But if you try it several times, it then cranks normally and starts right up.