99 cutlass - ABS light/total electric loss

[jrmartin]

Several days ago (twice in one day - nothing since) after startup the ABS indicator light came on and before I had a chance to stop the car and reset the system by turning it off as the manual instructs, I lost all electrical power. The first time the engine started while coasting and after shifting into N. The second time it didn't have electrical power for @ 5 minutes while I stopped and opened the hood to check for a loose ground cable, etc. After finding nothing, I jumped back in and had power as soon as the key was turned. I replaced the alternator less than 2 years ago and the shop did a check of ground cables/alternator output and okayed those. The local Olds dealer has never heard of a similar situation. Any ideas? My wife no longer trusts her car!

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

Check the positive battery terminal for corrosion. Common problem that will cause this type of problem. The ABS light was just an indicator of a low voltage condition. There was a post in Grand Prix recently of a member that had a similar problem. She found out that it was a badly corroded positive lead from the battery. Internal corrosion in the wire itself. Once replaced the problem went away.