Everything stopped working when I attempted to start the truck

2018 FORD F-150
70,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
MRGOATNINJA
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Yesterday I parked my truck and did some shopping. When I came out, I remotely started it, but when I went to put the key in it and crank it to drive, it shut off. Literally everything shuts down: the gear shift doesn't move, there are no headlights or dash lights, the horn doesn't work, no A/C or radio, there is no clicking sound when I tried to crank it, but the battery has plenty of charge. I tried jumping it anyway-no luck. Had to get it towed. Any ideas?
Feb 3, 2022 at 6:14 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked the battery terminals to make sure they are tight and clean? If you lost power to everything, this is where we need to start. Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

If the battery terminals are clean and tight, open the fuse box under the hood and check any of the fuses I highlighted for power. I need to know if any have power. Here is a link you may find helpful. See pic 1 below

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Let me know what you find. I'll watch for your reply.

Joe
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Feb 3, 2022 at 7:49 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MRGOATNINJA
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Okay, thank you. Currently my truck is at the dealership, so I can't check the fuses. I checked the battery terminals. I will let you know what they find.
Thankyou,
Mike
Feb 4, 2022 at 4:18 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

Mike, you are very welcome. If you lost total power, there is an open somewhere between the battery and the power distribution box. Otherwise, you wouldn't have lost everything. That doesn't necessarily mean power was lost, but the ground may have also failed.

If you can, I would be really interested in knowing what happened. This has my attention. LOL

Take care of yourself,

Joe
Feb 4, 2022 at 6:26 PM