Total electrical shutdown

[McBlaster]

So last night my 1999, 5.0 Explorer was running fine, stopped for gas and everything was dead. No dome lights, no radio, no cranking, nothing. Had a buddy jump me and I made it the 3 blocks home. After scouring the forums I had my answer. I brought my old battery to Napa and it tested bad and I bought a new one. Installed it and it still wouldn't crank over. My buddy said he saw some light sparking from the negative terminal, I wiggled it and the lights came back on. Removed the negative terminal and re-stripped the 2 wires and reattached to the terminal. She fired right back up. I am so relieved and once again this site has proved to be an invaluable resource.

 

[lobo411]

Glad you got it back in service. I was taught to neutralize the acid residue that accumulates on top of the battery and terminals periodically with baking soda-water, and lately I've been covering the terminals with silicone compound. I figure it can't hurt and might help.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

You have those cheap aftermarket ends? Those things are nothing but trouble, my 01 has a set, brand new, came with a cold weather curse.