Electrical problem

[ellijaybilly]

I have a 2003 Ford escape 4x4. When I turn the ignition everything goes dead. I have read other threads and used them as trouble shooting guide. The alternator is good and the battery is brand new. My car knowledge is slightly better than average, but only slightly. I'm thinking loose wire running to ground. Everything is good till I turn ignition, then sudden death. I can jump it and it runs fine. Lights and all

[mechhound]

You installed a new battery, but I bet you didn't clean the inside of the cables before you put them on the battery posts? Am I right? That would be the most likely scenario of what you are describing. Also make sure the battery cables tighten down properly on the posts.

If that doesn't solve your problem, look for other dirty or loose battery cable connections. It is also possible one of the battery cables is shorting internally. Kindly keep us posted as to what you find. Good luck.

[ellijaybilly]

Terminal connects are clean and tight. Internal short is good suggestion, I will try that. I will wait for a couple more possibilities before I throw more money at it. Already replaced alt. And batt.

[65comet]

I would disconnect the negative terminal to the battery, then follow that cable to the other end and check there for being clean and then tight. After that I'd check the wires to the starter before reconnecting the battery. Oil may sometimes leak on the starter wires and need to be cleaned off, then checked for tightness there too. I would go to an auto parts store and ask them to do a test. They can test battery, starter draw from starting and alternator output.