Weird start issue

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Jun 23, 2022 | 07:03 AM

BassFantasizer

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Weird start issue

I drive the Ex (2000, 6.8L) a couple of times a month just to keep it limber. Running an errand earlier this week, I stopped at Lowe's and when I got back into the Ex tried to start it (out of habit) like I do my 2014 and 2015 vehicles -- touch the key to start and let go. This of course doesn't work with the Ex. I turned the key again and nothing. Everything was dead. 5 to 10 seconds later I was able to start the truck normally but the clock, radio settings, etc. were all initialized.

Any idea what would cause the odd start to drop all power and have it return to normal a few seconds later?

Jun 23, 2022 | 07:21 AM

projectSHO89

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From: St Louis

A corroded battery connection or failing battery cable would be at the top of my list of suspects.

I'd start by inspecting and thoroughly cleaning the terminals and connectors.

Jun 24, 2022 | 02:05 PM

Watcher58

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I would think battery and/or alternator. I had a bad alternator which killed the battery. I could sit and wait for a bit and it sometimes started.
Take a trip to your local auto parts store since it's a free diagnostic check. I ended up buying a new battery and alternator. The battery light would usually come on for a bit and then go off
as the alternator was working intermittently.

Jun 24, 2022 | 02:59 PM

MasterX

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From: Arizona

Had this before when a battery was intermittently shorting internally. Power would just cut out for a second or few without any reason or pattern.

Jun 27, 2022 | 07:26 AM

BassFantasizer

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The battery and alternator are about 2 years old. The cable was replaced before that. Suspecting that the intermittent battery failure may be the culprit.

Jun 27, 2022 | 10:58 AM

6_Myles

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If the battery/alternator all check out...I get this with my park switch...if my gear selector isn't pushed all the way up.

Jun 27, 2022 | 12:32 PM

projectSHO89

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From: St Louis

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6_Myles

If the battery/alternator all check out...I get this with my park switch...if my gear selector isn't pushed all the way up.

That would not cause an "everything was dead" symptom as was described. It would cause a "no crank but all the lights all work" symptom.

The original symptoms, taken in their entirety, indicate that primary power or ground was interrupted.