Math Docta
New member
I have a 1997 Ford Taurus GL, V6 24V DOHC EFI Automatic Trans that is having some electrical problems. The car gets power occasionally, but obviously not enough because none of the instruments work (or work properly) and a relay under the dash on the driverside clicks for about 20 seconds after attempting to start the car. The battery and alternator ARE GOOD. I have recently replaced both, and just to make sure I didn't get a bad part out of the box I have checked the voltage output of the alternator, about 14V, as well as the voltage output of the battery, which is between 12.7V and 12.8V, both at the battery terminals and at the wire leading off the battery (to rule out a bad connection to the battery). The key to my problem here is that I have total power failure, including every light and accessory inside the car. This is not a simple case of the car not starting, but of power failure, so I'm moving beyond considerations of the starter and solenoid, and onto possible problems with the fuses or the ignition switch. If anyone has had this problem before, especially on a similar Taurus, I would appreciate the benefits of your experience, particularly which fuses to check or whether I'm headed in the wrong direction or have ruled out a possibility I shouldn't have. Thanks in advance for your time and assistance, and I hope none of you out develope this same problem because it is not fun to diagnose! -Michael