Temporary engine/electrical cut out

[Grebus1]

Yesterday on my '97 Sable, I had a total engine and electrical cut out that lasted about 1 second as I was driving along at 25 mph. Then everything went back to normal and this has not happened since. None of the idiot lights came on. I'm trying to figure out what might have caused this situation and what things I should check on the car. For what it's worth, I replaced the alternator about a year ago. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[shorod]

So the radio, blower, and engine all went off at the same time? If you're confident that the engine and electrical both cut out, I'd suggest you start by checking the battery cables for cleanliness and tightness, but I wouldn't expect a momentary connection in the battery cables or even a momentary open circuit in the battery would cause the engine to stall for such a short duration. The first culprit that comes to mind for odd electrical gremlins is the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS). You might search this forum for other's symptoms with the TRS and see if any match what you've experienced.

-Rod

[consultIII]

not as familiar with this product as shorod; but was thinking fusible link starting to go.

[danielsatur]

Also check for uniform + nonuniform copper corrosion on battery cables, it looks green in color.

[Grebus1]

Thanks for the replies. My recollection is that everything electrical (CD changer/radio, dash lights, blower) cut out and it felt like either the engine lost power or the transmission slipped. I will check on the items suggested. My first thought was a loose primary ignition cable--does the positive battery cable run directly to the starter?

[shorod]

Yes, the positive cable goes both straight to the starter assembly as well as the power distribution block through a 175 amp mega fuse. On the fused side the power goes to the alternator and the engine compartment fuse/relay panel. Maybe the accessory delay relay is intermittent....

-Rod