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Why will 98 Olds LSS intermittently lose all electrical power and will not start?

Tiny
MARTIDE
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 OLDSMOBILE LSS
  • 85,000 MILES
My son has a 1998 Olds LSS with a 3.8L V6. Sometimes it dies while driving or will not start when he tries to start it. The car loses all electrical power when this happens. Nothing will work, no lights, radio, starter, or anything electrical at all will work. Sometimes it will start right back up, other times it will start after a period of time. I have cleaned & retightened battery cables, replaced the ECM, battery, & starter (unrelated).
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Friday, May 11th, 2012 AT 8:11 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
You'll have to do some electrical tracing when this happens. Check battery ground cable where it goes to block and body.
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Friday, May 11th, 2012 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
MARTIDE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Checked the battery cable from the battery to the block. There are no breaks and the cable is firmly connected to the block. Where else should I check?
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Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 AT 2:38 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Have you checked continuity of the battery cables when the problem occurs? Also, check the master relays and fuses when the problem occurs, especially the relay, as older ones can fail when they get too hot and start working again when they cool down. You'll need a meter and/or a test light/continuity tester.
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Tuesday, July 24th, 2012 AT 4:18 AM

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