Total loss of power once in a while

[Brandons]

Lately, well, this has happened twice in 2 days, my brother will go to start the truck. He'll get it to run, all the normal lights and stuff come on, then suddenly shut off. All power is lost in the truck for a bit, no matter were i turn the key, no power, i havent tried lights though so im not for sure, ill have to check next time.

Any ideas?
thanks

PS - Drivers Road test using Explorer in 9 days, april the 19th.

 

[Opera House]

I would check the big fuses in the distribution box under the hood on the passenger side. There may be some corrosion on the 30A and 40A fuse contacts that causes the intermitant. The starter solenoid on the fender is the distribution point for the battery 12V. If the intermitant was between there and the battery, the engine would probably keep going from alternator current. I would loosen and retighten the connections there. From that lug there will be a wire going up to the fuse distribution box. Check that wire for physical damage. Knowing if the headlights still worked durring a failure would be helpful.

 

[Brandons]

Thanks, i have a free day tommorrow so i can probably check it out. Its really strange though, it only does it to my brother..

 

[X~FACTOR]

Its really strange though, it only does it to my brother..

Well then, there's your problem.

It's gotta be a loose connection somewhere if it only does it Sporadically. Check the battery cables and to where ever the positive (starter/solenoid) and negative (chasis) lead to.

 

[Brandons]

lol, mechanics that have worked on it have basically screwed the wiring up, i have been trying to fix it up now. Im afraid to do anything to the solenoid since the bolts are probably extremely rusted and will break the inside of it (past experience with a lawn tractor).

 

[Brandons]

Ok today i took all the fuses out the distribution box, and cleaned them up, and i also cleaned up the solinoid contacts. Looks like new, and it actually started for my bro . Hopefully that solves the problem. I also got a check engine light on lately, but i think i have a vacume leak.