Do Explorers cut power to non-essential components during ignition?

[tomballpkr]

My 2002 Eddie Bauer runs great. A few months ago we bought a DVD player for the back seat. Problem is, the DVD player resets every time I turn the car on, which can be an inconvienece.

I've noticed that when cranking the car the power is lost to the accessory ports, lights, radio, AC, etc (every interior component I have visibility to). The lights don't go DIM they go OUT. It seems as if these components have their power cut once the ignition switch reaches a certain point. A fraction of a turn beyond that point is when the starter kicks in.

It would make sense to me if Ford does this on purpose to have as much power available as possible for the starter. My friend's 1999 Explorer does exactly the same thing.

I saw two other posts on this site that said that this IS NOT correct behavior and that this indicates an electrical problem (at least on older Explorers).

Since my friends car does the same thing, I am skeptical of those posts. What is the correct, expected behavior? Is there a way to make the accessory ports NOT lose power during starting?

Link 1 ('94)
Link 2 ('92)

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
JMK

 

[huskyfan23]

The intial starting of a vehicle requires LOTS of power. I don't think power is cut, there just isn't enough power to keep it running while engaging the starter.

 

[dogfriend]

The schematic for the ignition switch shows that the fuse box should get power in either the start or run position. You could test this with a voltmeter and have someone turn the switch to start to see if you are still getting voltage on the circuit that your DVD player is using.