I have a 1998 Lincoln Towncar with a problem Ford cannot seem to find. Maybe the real mechanic's out there can help. When the vehicle is running the dash instruments will shut off, radio(loses memory setting), AC controls and dash. No error codes are set off. Then they will go on again. Sometimes the vehicle will not start. When this happens I have no power seats and nothing happens, turn the key, no clicking no power anywhere. A mech where I work looked the wiring diagram over and thought it may be a problem with the fuse link. I replaced the wiring harnes for the battery. Problem seems more problemsome in the heat ( AZ's heat 100+). I wonder if it could be ignition switch?? Your insight would be much help.

 

first place to look is the starter solenoid.if you can find it there will be two bolts coming out one on each side with wires connected to them and then smaller ones that run accessories one of the big wires will run to the battery and one to the starter.when it won't start at all get a screwdriver or anything that you can use to jump the circuit between those 2 terminals and if it starts,your solenoid is bad.they usually run about 6 or 7 bucks

 

The ignition switch will not casue the radio presets to clear. You are loosing power to those circuits. I suspect a bad ground or grounds.

Rgards

Jean Marc Chartier