This is a little complex(for me, at least), so I'll try to explain it as best as I can. I couldn't figure out what combination of words to put in the search bar, as all of the combos I tried didn't work. The car is a 92 JDM FD. I don't think this problem would occur only in Japanese models or be linked to something only seen in JDM FDs.

So, I jump start my FD and it runs for a little bit. No more than 5 minutes. During idle it backfires, then eventually dies. I check the battery and it's 11.8vdc. I hook it up to my FC and I have to let the battery charge a little, then I try it again. Once more, back fires and dies. I let my FC charge it again, start it back up and when it's running I check the battery voltage to make sure the alternator is charging it. 13.3vdc. I keep the multimeter on the terminals and wait for it to die, still getting 13.3vdc. Once it dies, the battery reads approximately 11.8. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Every time I checked the battery, I disconnected the jumper cables to insure the FD is isolated. The car has been sitting for almost 6 months due to winter. However, I started it a couple days ago and it did the same thing, only it didn't die. Idle was still rough and it backfired constantly. Today, I replaced the combination switch because the gauge lights weren't working(they still aren't and it's not the fuse) and then this problem occurred. I can't imagine the combination switch could be the problem since there is only two connectors and you can't mess that up.

Any and all help is appreciated.
-Jay

 

Problem solved. It was a shitty battery. The answer was too obvious to be true. Now to fix those gauge lights....

 

glad you fixed it .

 

Thanks, man. I'm so relieved it was something simple.