'97 SL can be jumped but then stalls when touching brake, putting in gear
 

'97 SL manual 5-spd. has been hesitating during starts lately but has not been consistent in that behavior. Today while driving at about 40 mph I lost power for split second, all dashboard lights came on and then went away, ran fine for 30 minutes. When I left work, car wouldn't start -- completely flat. Jumping was successful, but once I put it in gear or even stepped on brake, it stalled out. Had to be rejumped each time. Left car at work. Any ideas? Battery is 14 months old with 28,000 miles on it.

Have you tested the alternator lately?

loose or bad wires to battery or starter, or combination of all. check all connections for corrosion, even the ones under the car from the starter and the altinator