Clock and MFA info resets when starting car

[jpm777]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can help me out! When starting the car sometimes the clock and all MFA information resets.
The starter motor starts to crank over very briefly then stops and restarts again starting the car normally, but during this time the info is lost and the key position has not been changed.
The battery terminals appear OK and I have cleaned the earth lead between the negative of the battery and the gearbox. I found that a short earth strap from the engine wasn't connected to anything so have connected the other end to the coil mounting. Thought this might solve it, but no...
I'm guessing a bad earth but all seems OK, in that department with connection seeming quite clean. Also does anyone know where the small wire from the negative of the battery goes to when it disappears under the battery tray?
Any help or advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,

jpm777

1998 MK3 Golf gti 8v