Diagnosing Starting Issue

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Originally Posted by Compeer

Is there an exposed cable that was also melted somehere in the circuit? Thats all I could think of, somehwere else there is a melted wire that is shorting when the car electrical system is put under heavy load, like a cold start. Also why are you starting it with no airfilter? they do not like that.

Also are you oiling that filter? and if so are you letting the filter dry for aatleast 24 hours before using it in the car again? Maf sensor gets covered with the oil and it will make it do weird stuff. (not electrical but it wont help with it starting)

The aFe filter is an oil free design, and only requires cleaning by soap and water. Yes I let it dry a day or for several hours near an air duct. I won't be starting the car with the air filter off again. Usually it's not an issue for cars as long as you don't drive like that long term, I wanted to see if it affected the starting issue. It just needed a new starter though, and that issue is resolved.

I ordered a new MAF sensor also just to be safe and will be installing that soon. I agree there is a good chance there is another damaged wire somewhere. It's weird because the bulbs usually work for a while and then just burn out prematurely. This time my mechanic can't get the driver side to stay on. He is going to look at it Monday, and then I am just going to regrettably take it into the dealer to try to find the underlying cause once and for all.