2003 Mercury Sable Loses electrical power while running the

LEPSABLE

MEMBER
2003 MERCURY SABLE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
63,431 MILES

While driving, car will lose air, lights, radio, blinkers and abs and battery warning lights are lighted. Car will continue running until turned off then will not restart unless jumped or allowed to rest for hours. Sometimes it will return to normal (air, lights, etc.) While still driving. Have had diagnostics performed by dealership and other reputable mechanic, with no problems found. Dealership replaced starter last week hoping it would fix the problem that they can't duplicate. It failed again yesterday. I can't afford to replace piece by piece when mechanics tell me they have no idea what is going on. I have a 1000 mile trip coming up. Help.

2 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Id lean toward an ignition switch. Sounds like it may not be able to handle the current draw through it and loses connection when a lot of demand is put on it. Might also explain the no start. Does it get 12 volts to the small wire on the starter when it wont start?

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, June 15th, 2008 AT 9:02 AM

LEPSABLE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Could not check the wire you mentioned but son replaced the ignition switch about the same time I posted this question after talking with his business mechanic. Looked good and has run since the date I asked you this question. However, yesterday 8/9, coming out of the car wash it did it again. We were able to drive the 5 miles to home with lights bearly visible, and of course would not start after turned off in garage. It did however (as expected) start this morning. Think maybe I have a lemon now that it's paid off! Gonna replace the battery and cables tomorrow then see if I can find someone to check the 'computer' that controls everything. If it is the problem due to cost I will probably have to park the car I love so much since I won't be able to pay to have it fixed. Thanks for your response.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, August 10th, 2008 AT 11:40 PM