Hi, I checked the FAQ first but did not find anything similar to my problem. Today will in a parking lot my radio went out for a second, it was almost like a CD skipped but I was playing a tape not a CD. Then about a minute later pulling into another parking lot the car suddenly died with absolutely no power to any of the accessories or lights. It did not restart right away but after a few tries it did.

Has anyone encountered anything like this? I checked the battery connection and the inline fuse to the battery and it all looks fine. I have driven it for about an hour after all of this with no further problems but I am worried the same will happen on the freeway. Anything to look for?


thanks
Fee

My first assumption would be the ground connections. -specifically where the negative battery cable terminates at the chassis ground and the engine block ground. Remove and clean both of these connections with a wire brush until the mating surfaces are free of rust, oxidation, and paint. They should look nice and shiny before you bolt them back together. -also check the two tether straps at the back of the valve covers on your 4-cylinder engine (right by the distributor and bolt to the firewall). They are a pair of flexible metal straps that tie the engine and chassis together for better grounding.

If your ground connections are corroded, it would also be worthwhile to clean your positive connections (at battery, alternator, and starter).

FYI, here's another posting that was just done on this subject for a V-6 engine (B280, as equipped in 760s and 780s).
http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=876803

God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.
--
'87 Blue 240 Wagon, 249k miles.
'88 Black 780, PRV-6, 146k miles.

Thanks for the help. I will check the ground connection as you advised. Lets say it looks corroded and loose, do I need to first remove all battery connection to avoid a short or anything? Probably a stupid question but I don't do much of my own mechanical work and would hate to fry the ECU or something.


thanks

Do I need to first remove all battery connection to avoid a short or anything?

Yes, as a safety precaution I usually disconnect the battery and sometimes remove it from the vehicle when working on the battery pigtails (the ground connections or + power feeds to the starter & junction block). There's a lot of current that can go through those terminals in a hurry if a direct short occurs, and it's better to play it safe. -and connecting/disconnecting ground wires in live circuits can cause some interesting alternative power paths.

God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.
--
'87 Blue 240 Wagon, 249k miles.
'88 Black 780, PRV-6, 146k miles.

water around the spoiler area shouldn't really be a problem... my immediate reaction was a faulty ignition switch... which can be replaced, but is a royal pain to get to - see if it still gives you problems in the next couple of days - you never know, it might be one of those glorious problems that fixes itself.
--
-Flup, 240DL Wagon, 2 subs in the trunk, Dancing Bears Sticker to top it off :)

Has the car been in the rain or a lot of water on it lately?
--
Leon Ramseur in NC, 2001 V70XC, 2001 V70T5 & 1990 745.

Hi, no today it has been very dry as it has the last couple days. About 4 days or so ago I used one of those high pressure hoses at the car wash to clean underneath around the spoiler area. Would this make any difference regarding my problem?