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

Tiny
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.
Wednesday, November 30th, 2016 AT 4:35 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,184 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.
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Wednesday, November 30th, 2016 AT 5:29 PM
Tiny
PEOPLESME
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I determined it was the battery by attempting to jump start it from a vehicle that was running. I connected it and let it run for about a minute and when I turn the key I got nothing not even the clicking noise you would normally get when your battery was dead. I replaced the battery and we are wall good now thank you for the guides.
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Wednesday, November 30th, 2016 AT 5:45 PM

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