Posted this also on the pre-1997 board.

1992 F150 w/302 engine. 128k miles. This scenario has happened twice to me in the last two weeks: Put key in ignition, turn key, and all the electrical disappears -- no power locks, no windows, no cab light, no nothing. The engine makes no attempt to start. No slow turning or maching gun sounds, just nothing. The last time it did it, I believe I heard the bendix on the starter engage as I turned the key, but that may have been my imagination. If I leave and come back in 30 minutes or longer, it starts just fine. 99% of the time, the truck starts easily on the first try. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
jeff.boyd0633@sbcglobal.net

 

I'd suspect a loose/corroded connection on the battery ground cable. If the connection looks "clean" at the battery, then I think the problem is down at the other end of the ground cable. Trace it under the truck. You'll find where it connects it's probably exposed to all sorts of road gunk, which can destroy the connection. If the cable is OK there, clean and tighten the connection.

And, of course, it COULD be loose/or a corroded connection at the negative post on the battery, so check that too. But, this condition tends to be more obvious.

- Jack

 

The battery, cables, and terminals all appear to be good. Adrianspeeder had a thought about the ingnition switch on the other posting I made, but when this happens, the door locks and cab light also goes out. That's what's tricking me because I didn't think either of those two would be tied electrically to the ignition switch.

If I wait long enough, something appears to "reset" and things go back to normal.

 

One way I've trouble-shot the negative cable is: When you get this same symptom, step outside and pull up on it - I've seen this "fix" the connection to the engine underneath.

And, your symptoms, including the "reset" part still look just like problems I've seen in the past with that cable.

I don't think there's any "master" circuit breaker that would kill off all the electrical components.

I suppose you could have a bad connection in the battery itself, that would cause an "open circuit" though. Maybe try "tapping" the battery posts if this happens again?

- Jack

 

Update: It did it again, so I popped the hood and shook and twisted the ground cables. Started right up after that. Sounds like you put me on the right track for this weekend, Jack. Thanks.

 

Great! Hope you find the problem area without too much trouble.

- Jack

 

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