Electrical issue **SOLVED**

[Todd93]

Hi, everyone! Having a problem with the electrical system on my 16 GT. I'd been having trouble with it not starting, just a click. Replaced the oem starter with a good Powermaster starter, and put in a new Motorcraft battery. Seemed to fix the issue until it started doing it again. Discovered the starter relay is bad, replaced it and back in business! Or so I thought... This morning, I was going to move it to do some tinkering, hit the button, and ALL power died. Like you unhooked the battery... Opened the under hood fuse box, tapped on it, and all power returned, car started, but now it's repeating that problem. This car only has about 23k miles, fuse box looks absolutely brand new, no sign of corrosion, heat, etc... I'm having a tough time believing that the under hood power distribution box could be bad, but I suppose it's possible.

It's no problem for me to obtain a good used one, as I work for the number one salvage yard in the US. So that's easy, but I was hoping someone could help me shed a little light? Maybe someone else has had a similar experience?

Thanks

Todd

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[G.T.]

All power gone after twisting the key, then tapping or jiggling the wires bringing power back, could be a dodgy battery terminal or terminal to wiring connection. Seen this lots of times on many cars, and hope it's just that in this case.

 

[Todd93]

Well, no key, the start button. And opening the under hood fuse box, and tapping it brings it back to life. I did check all the terminals on the fuse box, all are tight. I do suspect the new relay I got at Napa could be causing an issue. It didn't fit that well in the opening, the prongs fit, but the outer cover is tight in the holder. I'm going to grab some Ford relays at the yard Monday. I'm also going to talk to the Ford master tech that works for the shop at the yard... I may run it in and have him run the Ford IDS/FDRS and see if there's anything else possibly going on.

 

[G.T.]

Yup, basically attempting to start the vehicle whether via pushbutton or physical key, power disappears when it attempts to crank.

Maybe check for power at the supply line to the fuse box next time it happens. If there is power, probably fuse box. No power, go downstream (battery terminal?).

 

[Todd93]

Good idea...

 

[G.T.]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

 

[delz05]

Check ALL ground point connected to the negative battery cable... breaks, corrosion, loose fasteners etc...

 

[SHOdaddy68]

You work at a wrecking yard. Is your car a salvage/re-builder? If so, was it a flood vehicle? I suspect a short/corrosion in the fuse block that you can't see from the top. Have you inspected the connections/wires inside and under the fuse & relay panel?

 

[Todd93]

Not a salvage/builder, or flood, bought it last year from a Kia dealership in KC. Of course, it's a 16 model, it sits a lot. I'm getting a box from the yard. In the meantime, I'm going to one by one, pull fuses and relays, clean with good electrical contact spray and see what happens...

 

[SHOdaddy68]

I hate electrical problems. With a passion. Hope you find it and it's a simple fix.

 

[Todd93]

I'd like to thank everyone for your input, your help... I found the problem and it was an easy fix. Honestly, I feel like an idiot. I got it to do it again, so I carefully started wiggling wires, when I wiggled the ground from the battery, it came back to life... I lifted the battery cover, and there it was, a loose ground terminal on the battery. I could have sworn I had it tight when I put the new battery in. Apparently I must have overlooked it.

I'm so glad it was an easy fix, no fuse box change!

Thanks for all the help! I really do appreciate it!

Todd

 

[delz05]

Glad it worked out.

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