2000 S70 Electrical Problem

[Eddienorgard]

Hello! Recently I've been experiencing an electrical issue that is very odd. While I'm driving, sometimes the car shuts off. The instrument panel flashes, the radio shuts off and the speakers blow out really quickly but then everything restores itself in less than 3 seconds. It's scary while driving. Sometimes after that happens during the drive once I park and shut off the car, the car goes dead as if there's a dead battery and won't restart when I come back to the car. However, I've noticed if I open up the engine, shift the battery a little bit, the car gains power, and i can start it. Normally I'd attribute this behavior to a dead battery or a dirty battery terminal or a wiring issue. However, none of these things seem to make sense about the car cutting out while I'm driving. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks in advance!

[JRL]

Clean and tighten your battery cables for starters

[abscate]

Normally I'd attribute this behavior to a dead battery or a dirty battery terminal or a wiring issue. However, none of these things seem to make sense about the car cutting out while I'm driving

The spectrum of vibration and movement when you drive makes this a perfect candidate to explain your symptom. Loose cable either at battery or possibly at the power connections behind the battery.

The grounds are also equally culpable candidates - check ALL these too!

[MrAl]

Hi,

I have to agree that a loose connection to the battery is a very possible candidate.

I can not understand how you would think that driving down the road would somehow not be able to jar the bad connection and cause those electrical symptoms. I would think that would be exactly what would happen. Perhaps you can explain your reasoning behind your conclusion.

And audio circuit are prone to loud pops when the power is interrupted and then restored abruptly, especially if it is an intermittent connection that happens a few times very quickly before going dead completely.

I guess it could be any circuit that can interrupt the main power, so that means battery cables, a main fuse, etc. I would think you would want to find this problem as soon as possible before anything blows permanently.
As far as troubleshooting, i guess that could be difficult since it only happens now and then, so probably the best way to start it to try to check all connections you can get to easily to see if there is anything that looks loose, maybe pull out and reinsert fuses, etc.

[Ozark Lee]

Also check the B+ cable at the termination in the fuse box. That particular connection is problematic. A problem there is usually fairly apparent as it will visually show signs of overheating.

...Lee