Electrical issue

[arthropod]

I have been dealing with a problem with my 1998 Montero Sport. I have carried it back and forth to the dealer and they say they fixed it everytime...but the issue keeps coming back.

Every once in a while I will crank the car and press the brake...the head lights, dash lights etc...flicker...sometimes this happens when I roll the windows up and down...

Sometimes I turn on the Blinker...the radio will go in and out.

After this happens...if I turn off the car and try to crank it again...there is no power...like someone disconnected the battery....If I let it sit for 3 minutes or so and try to recrank it...it will fire right up with out any problems...

I do not understand the problems going on...I am just looking for some type of clue to what it could be.

I just feel like the dealer is doging the actual issue...because they always tell me it is something new...which is never the problem.

Thank you ,

Frustrated

[ssxty8]

That is really weird. I only can say, that if the flicking of lights and other accessories, happens when they are turned on, it may be a ground problem. There are several ground straps/connections, starting with the one comming out of the negative battery post, that you need to verify. They better be cleaned and tightened. As for the location of them, around the car, the engine bay and/or under the dash, you might ask your dealer for a print out or copy of the service manual page, where all the electric connections are showed. Some manuals have a specific page, showing the ground connections in one section. >>IF the flicking is ocurring, even when the lights, radio, etc. are turned OFF, then thats another story and even more difficult to troubleshoot. Good luck.

[MNMontero]

This might be a dumb question (so pardon if it is) but have you replaced the battery and/or cleaned the terminals? My friend had a very similar situation with her car and that was the problem.