When you turn the key to try and start it everything turns off

PEOPLESME

MEMBER
2003 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
95,000 MILES

Battery has full charge. With key in the on position all gauges work, radio works, windows work. When you turn the key to try and start it everything turns off and nothing happens. It does not even try to turn over. No clicking just silent. When you release the key and it goes back to the on position everything turns back on. The information panel on the dash states a fuel computer data error and a charging system data error. I do not know where to start looking. Any help would be appreciated.

2 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

How did you determine the battery is okay and fully-charged? What you are describing is commonly caused by a discharged battery or loose or dirty battery cable connections. Given the additional symptom of stalling while driving, a failed charging system and run-down battery is the best suspect. This sounds like the starter is having problems or the battery needs to be load tested these guides can help us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Please run down these guides and report back.

The place to start is by measuring the battery's voltage with an inexpensive digital voltmeter. If it is good and fully-charged, it will measure 12.6 volts. If it is good but discharged, it will be near 12.2 volts. Charge it at a slow rate for an hour, then measure it again. Let me know what you find for battery voltage.