Windows and radio stop working when cranking the engine

Tiny
TAMLOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD MUSTANG
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 159,000 MILES
When you switch the car on everything works. When you crank it the windows and radio quits working. They will all of a sudden come on for a minute then turn back off.
Sunday, June 28th, 2020 AT 2:05 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

After the car is running and things stop working, how often will they start again and turn back off? Does anything electrical work when the engine is running? Also, if you wiggle the ignition key a bit, does it make a difference? One last question. When you turn the key to the run position (engine off) you indicate things work. Will they continue to work for an extended time if you don't start the engine?

Let me know. I have to be honest, it sounds like it is related to the ignition switch, but that is to be determined.

Joe
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Sunday, June 28th, 2020 AT 8:42 PM
Tiny
TAMLOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It will come back on randomly and only stay on a few seconds or minutes. Everything else still works properly. With the engine off, you might have to turn the key on and off a few times for it to come on.
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Monday, June 29th, 2020 AT 5:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
If you wiggle the key gently when in the on position, does it change anything? I ask because if it was a fuse issue, it wouldn't work at all.
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Monday, June 29th, 2020 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
TAMLOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
You can't just wiggle it. You have to switch it on and off.
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 3:45 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Okay, I thought there may be some play in it. Here is what I suggest needing done. The two items don't power from the same fuses or have the same grounds. Even if they did, it would not work at times and not others.

What I feel needs done is the vehicle's CAN bus system needs scanned. Both receive power from the bussed electrical center at the front right of the engine compartment. The term CAN stands for computer area network. All of the modules in the vehicle are tied together within this system. Something must be failing within it.

Here is a quick video showing how and why it's done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Are you able to have that done? Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 9:29 PM

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