2002 Taurus strange electrical proble.

[darkradar]

The car was running, never had a problem 44k miles. Turned it of, then went to restart and no cranking and some of the cabin electric went dead, -power windows, lights, headlights wouldn't work. -just makes a clicking sound near the fuse box near brake pedal. Battery seems to have problem, shows voltage but when placed on charger, receives 0 amps. When I removed battery and jumpered in my mondo boat battery, the electrical system started to return to normal, but after trying a crank, I got the clicking noise back and some of the elctric stuff returned.

I checked fuses including the power distribution box and under the panel near brake pedal.

Please help, I am a good mechanic and electrical but don't have alot of time or money. I also have no experience with this car since this is the first problem.

I have heard of self-protection devices that Ford doesn't publish, sometime related to anti-theft (the light is blinking).
Also of Transmission Range Swith/Neutral Safety Switch problems, but does quite match the failure mode.

[darkradar]

The car has about 1/2 amp current draw with all systems turned off.

[Willyum]

I had a similar problem w/my '02 SES. Unsuccessfully tried to jump with adjoining vehicle and w/battery pack. Took the battery out and down to Wal Mart. They tested on their tester and said "it's shot". Paid out the $39.95 for a new one and no more problems. I still don't understand why I couldn't jump start it but just have to remember that it didn't work and likely won't in the future.

[darkradar]

The battery had an internal open condition discovered by trying to charge it removed from the system -0 amps on charger.

Went to buy another and the auto parts guy worked for a Ford dealer. He said that under certain conditions, a self-protection scheme kicks in that would explain the strange symptoms.

Rplaced the battery, no more problems!

Thanks for the confirmation willyum!