Vehicle occasionally will not start

130,000 MILES
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GEORGE90
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  • 5 POSTS
The positive cables have been cleaned, added a new washer to try and get a better connection, installed a new battery, tested the alternator. Car starts up but occasionally will shut off if you turn it off. Slammed the driver's door and it came back on.
Jan 24, 2021 at 4:41 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that it worked after slamming the door indicates a weak connection. Have you checked the ground cable both at the battery and on the vehicle (engine block/body)?

I need to know what stops working. You said it dies when you turn it off and when you slammed the door, it came back on, so I'm a bit confused as to what is happening.

Let me know.
Joe
Jan 24, 2021 at 11:38 AM
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GEORGE90
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  • 5 POSTS
Friday afternoon I was able to start the car up no issues and take it for a drive. When I arrived and attempted to lock my car but it wouldn't lock. I opened the driver door back up and there were no lights, tried to start it up and there was no noise no clicking, also no dash lights. So I popped the hood and when I slammed the driver door with the keys still in the ignition the horn honked and the dash lights came back on; and then I was able to start the car.
Jan 24, 2021 at 1:01 PM
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GEORGE90
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
No, I have not check the ground cable.
Jan 24, 2021 at 11:05 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Hi,

I attached a portion of the wiring schematic below for ground distribution. I highlighted two places to start. If you lost everything, something took the ground away from everything.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Jan 25, 2021 at 10:27 AM
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