2002 Hyundai Sonata Complete Power Failure

WSHILLITO

MEMBER
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

I get a complete momentary electrical failure while driving, accessories and engine quit. Power is momemtarily interupted and returns by itself (don't have to cycle the ignition switch). I replaced the alternator, which had a bad diode. The battery was charged with a recharger when the alternator was replaced. The problem is still occuring. I thought it may be a bad ignition switch but I can't make a connection between a bad ignition switch and an alternator failing. Maybe a short in the switch?

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi wshillito,

Thank you for the donation.

A faulty ignition switch might momentarily turn itself off and come back on when the contacts are bad. Check if the ignition switch feel hot after driving for a short while, if yes, it is failing.

The only connection between a bad alternator and ignitin switch is that when the ignition switch fails, it does not allow the alternator to charge as ignition switch power supply to alternaotr is missing. A faulty alternator on the other hand would not affect the ignition switch.

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Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 AT 1:11 PM

DBAKER06

MEMBER
1 POST

I have the same exact problem with my 2002 Hyundai Sonata. Has anyone determined what is the root cause. I had a mechanic check it out and he could not find anything when he checked because everyone was working fine. He said it possibly could be the ignition switch.

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Tuesday, September 13th, 2011 AT 2:01 AM