WHAT THE HELL? WHERE'S THE ELECTRIC GONE?

[marko]

Sometimes when I jump in my car and turn the key the ignition, oil and handbrake lights come on but then at position 3 they die and it's as if the battery is dead. no lights, horn radio or starting of car. the battery connections are solid and fairly new, I replaced the body earth just in case but nothing works until...
You wiggle the gear stick!
not aggressively just a little wiggle to check you're in neutral and it's all fine. no problems when driving (apart from 1500TC big ends on their way out).
could there be a problem with the reverse switch? no overdrive or shorts. no battery drain. no funny burnt smells.
Any ideas as I'm stumped?

[Toledo Man]

Have you got a multiplug connector at the top of the bellhousing. This can cause problems. Some contact cleaner should sort it.