1997 Ford Crown Victoria Starting problem, bad electical co

SETHRHOWARD

MEMBER
1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

I have an annoying problem that is getting worse. Every once in a while (getting more and more common) when I turn the key, all the power completely dies, radio, locks, lights, everything. Its not the battery or starter or alternator. If I disconnect the battery for a few minutes, it will usually start up again, although sometimes it has to sit for a while. Then it works fine for a few more months, then the whole thing will happen again. What could be wrong that just desconnecting the battery and then reconnecting it would fix (at least for a while)? Its frustrating because I've taken it in to the machanic and it worked fine for him, but a month later it happened again.

Thanks for the help

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,864 POSTS

Hi sethrhoward. Welcome to the forum. One REAL common problem that fits your description is loose nuts on the starter relay on the fender. Other circuits branch off from there as a convenient tie point, not as part of the starter circuit itself. Those nuts and studs are soft copper and expand and contract from heat buildup every time you start the engine and from the return current from the generator. Be careful to prevent any metal tools from touching other metal parts of the car. Use a wrench to tighten those nuts. Don't get carried away as they are just soft copper and will snap off easily. One fist on the wrench is sufficient tightness.

Caradiodoc