Weird battery/computer issue help needed

[Ngh705]

I have a 2002 explorer sport v6 4.0 . About once a week I go start it and it there's no power ( as if the battery's dead ) .. I unhook the negitave battery cable and immediately re hook it up and everything is fine it starts right up and runs fine .. Wondering if anyone has had this situation ? I'm guessing it resets the computer when I unhook it ? I also have the door ajar light stuck on but I believe that's a separate issue .. Any input would be appreciated

 

[koda2000]

your door ajar light is a separate issue. each door has a switch attached to the latch. they can get gummed up and stick, or break. pretty easy to replace once you figure out which door is causing the problem.

this may help...
Which door closed switch is bad:
with the engine running and gear selector in park, open all doors one at a time. When a door is opened, you should hear a chime. The door which does not chime has the bad latch-switch.

as for your battery issue, have you removed both cables from the battery and cleaned them with a battery brush? how you your cables/clamps look?

 

[Ngh705]

I haven't removed both battery cables but they are clean as can be and the battery looks new ( I've only owned the vehicle a few months ) .. I don't believe it's a battery issue because as soon as I remove and replace the negative cable all power is restored as if it resets something.. As far as the door ajar light none of the doors chime and the radio turns off as soon as key is turned backwards.. I've been reading on here about it and just checked for a broken wire in the door boot but didn't find one . My next step is to replace the sensor I guess . I'm gonna assume its driver door because that's the only one that gets used.

 

[koda2000]

I haven't removed both battery cables but they are clean as can be and the battery looks new ( I've only owned the vehicle a few months ) .. I don't believe it's a battery issue because as soon as I remove and replace the negative cable all power is restored as if it resets something.. As far as the door ajar light none of the doors chime and the radio turns off as soon as key is turned backwards.. I've been reading on here about it and just checked for a broken wire in the door boot but didn't find one . My next step is to replace the sensor I guess . I'm gonna assume its driver door because that's the only one that gets used.

i've had battery connections that appeared nice and clean, but won't make a good enough connection until bright and shiny. the sheet metal clamps, that Ford uses, can also be problematic.

 

[jremington59]

Next time it does it have someone hold the key in the start position and wiggle the neg and pos cables and see what happens.

 

[koda2000]

Next time it does it have someone hold the key in the start position and wiggle the neg and pos cables and see what happens.

yes. you can even try tapping on them with a wrench or screw driver handle. if it then starts, you are not making a good battery connection. am i correct in understanding that when this happens it is not only the starter that's effected, but all power?

 

[Ngh705]

I will give that a try .. Yes all power is gone, no lights , radio, doesn't even crank .. I will try cleaning them. Even tho they are clean looking I guess there could be some kind of clear oxidation . Thank you for the ideas

 

[Ngh705]

I was looking up the switch for the door ajar light on ford parts.com and it is listed as "Door Open Warning / Anti Theft Switch" .. What does the switch have to do with anti theft ? I'm starting to think my 2 problems could be related...

 

[koda2000]

I was looking up the switch for the door ajar light on ford parts.com and it is listed as "Door Open Warning / Anti Theft Switch" .. What does the switch have to do with anti theft ? I'm starting to think my 2 problems could be related...

it's all controlled by the same switch. your 2 problems are not related.

 

[jremington59]

I will give that a try .. Yes all power is gone, no lights , radio, doesn't even crank .. I will try cleaning them. Even tho they are clean looking I guess there could be some kind of clear oxidation . Thank you for the ideas

If you're losing all your power it has something to do with a battery connection/wire. I always take them thin Ford battery cable ends and replace them with some good heavy duty ones.