Weird Electrical Problem

[falcaraz]

Hello,

Does anybody know what would cause a complete blackout of the electrical system in a 2000 explorer? The battery seems good and it always cranks quick. But today after leaving class I went to turn on the truck and it just mad a click noise and then nothing. No interior or exterior lights, no flashing security sign on the dash, no locks or windows, nada. The truck just went completely dark. I went to check the battery and found the negative to be a tiny bit loose allowing some side to side wiggle so I took it off and cleaned the post and then reconnected it. Tried to turn it on again and click, blackout again.

I tried jumping it but at first it didn't want to turn on so I had to disconnect the battery and reconnect to get the lights back. After that I was able to jump start it. I drove it home and turned it off and I was able to turn the truck back on no problem. Is the battery to blame or is it a relay gone bad? Kinda stumped since I've never had an electrical problem with this truck before.

Sorry for the wall of text.....

 

[jremington59]

You better clean and tighten the negative the positive terminals. I think your neg was loose and probably wasn't charging and it killed the battery.

 

[falcaraz]

I just checked the battery and its starting fine. Literally a second to start the engine. It doesn't seem to be the battery since it's not sluggish to start at all. Its just weird that it happened so randomly.

 

[gsbarry]

Bump. I'm experiencing the same problem, can't seem to figure it out either.

My only guess is something failing in the factory anti-theft system. That might explain why disconnecting the battery 'resets' the power cutoff.

I recently replaced the starter solenoid relay (fender mount). It may be possible that the solenoid failing was only the symptom of another problem.

Checked all my fuses - good. Battery is def good. Terminals are good.

I haven't replaced any cables as yet. They look fine on the outside of the conduit. I don't really want to cut open the wire bundle on a hunch though...

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable of electrical systems can chime in.