1998 Windstar shut down

[sdcchurricane]

Hi all-


My 1998 Windstar GL (3.8L) completely shut down today. At first, I heard clicking when I turned the key- now nothing. When I turn the key back, the power locks work, windows barely move, clock shows a little and the overhead light is on. When I turn the key to the engine on position, EVERYTHING shuts down. Nothing works. I have a brand spanking new battery in there, HELP!!!
THANKS!

[Windstartled]

When a new battery fails to hold up a charge the culprit is usually the charging system (alternator). First you should boost the battery and see if it starts. If it does let the engine idle for 15-20 minutes then turn it off and wait 15 minutes before attempting to start it without boost. If it fails to start or struggles then it's most likely an alternator fault. Check the cables between the alternator and battery for fraying and other damage, fix/replace as necessary. If the cables are fine then it's probably the alternator itself that's failing to provide enough voltage to charge the battery. In this case you will have to replace the alternator. Fortunately for you replacing the alternator is one of the easiest jobs on this engine and can be done by almost anyone provided they know how to release tension in the serpentine belt. Then just disconnect cables, unbolt faulty alternator, bolt new one in, reconnect cables and restore belt tension. A new alternator is moderately expensive but you can get a perfectly suitable one from a junk yard for $10-$20.

If you do not already have one, an essential tool for troubleshooting battery/alternator issues is a battery charger, you can get one for about $25, pretty basic but it will do the job. This will allow you to either charge the battery overnight (useful for old batteries) or boost it without having to ask a friendly motorist for help.

[olopezm]

Originally Posted by sdcchurricane

Hi all-


My 1998 Windstar GL (3.8L) completely shut down today. At first, I heard clicking when I turned the key- now nothing. When I turn the key back, the power locks work, windows barely move, clock shows a little and the overhead light is on. When I turn the key to the engine on position, EVERYTHING shuts down. Nothing works. I have a brand spanking new battery in there, HELP!!!
THANKS!

Welcome to the forum!

Windstartled gave you some good advice. If the battery was replaced recently, make sure the clamps are clean and tight. An even slightly loose connection can increase the amount of resistance between the clamp and battery post and different problems can arise.

Oscar.

[mark_gober]

Originally Posted by olopezm

Welcome to the forum!

Windstartled gave you some good advice. If the battery was replaced recently, make sure the clamps are clean and tight. An even slightly loose connection can increase the amount of resistance between the clamp and battery post and different problems can arise.

Oscar.

I concur with Oscar. I've had this problem several times in my driving lifetime. It defies logic, but you can have a good enough connection for the lights, radio and God knows whatever else, but try to turn the key and it all goes away. Open the hood, tighten the cables and try again.

If the clicking was like a rapid clicking, I'd definitely think dead battery.

Good luck.

[scubacat]

If you can get it started, I'd head to advance auto or autozone and get the free battery/alternator/starter test.