96 4.0 Explorer starting led to complete electrical power loss

[eric mentzer]

greeting, truck fired up fine, went to destination few miles away. 20 minutes later i go to leave and the engine cranked, and as soon as it sounded like it fired up, boom everything stopped. motor, no radio lights etc. i got out, checked fuses etc didnt see any visibly blown with a flashlight. got back in the truck and then i saw clock was back on, like battery was reset, no radio station memory etc. fired right up and went on my way. Im just wondering if there is a circuit breaker or something somewhere? almost seemed like locked rotor amps, bear with me im hvac not automotive . Any ideas im just trying to understand possible causes and trying to prevent reoccurence. thanks

 

[eric mentzer]

Battery is new from this summer

 

[Mbrooks420]

First thing I’d suspect is a cable issues. Check the battery cables and connections.

 

[koda2000]

loose or dirty battery connections.

 

[Spudhut]

What they said....

 

[toypaseo]

Also, check for corrosion between the actual positive cable and the terminal itself.

That caused my "turn ignition, click, and everything dead" problem.

 

[Spudhut]

Just a thought, check your battery cable down to your starter. Make sure it is still in good condition; no cracks or burned through at the heat sheild and shorting out. Experience talking there - after the big plume of smoke - OMG!

 

[eric mentzer]

found loose negative terminal, screw clamp tightened all the way but it definitly can move 45 degrees or so when pushing on it. new terminals going on tomorrow. hopefully this will explain my rough idling starts that are very intermittent? (another thread)

 

[eric mentzer]

previous owner had a remote start installed for awhile then removed by a hack mechanic
( my cousin ) lol. not sure what that involves but just curious what all was tampered with. negative wire from terminal to chassis looks jerry rigged into connecter on battery. solid but suspicious. thanks