[bueno]

I've got a 1999 Mustang with a strange electrical problem. Normally, the car starts fine (although a little reluctantly sometimes, as long as it tries to start, it always starts). However, sometimes the car absolutely does not try to start at all. Once the car refuses to start, the entire electrical system goes down and the only way to get it back is to disconnect and then reconnect the negative battery terminal. (sometimes the electrical system also "freaks out"...lights flashing, turn signals going on their own, etc.) However, disconnecting/reconnecting the battery and then try to start the car again immediately, the car will refuse to start and the electrical system will again die. However, I've found that if you let the car sit there for an extended period of time after disconnecting the battery (maybe between 20 minutes - 40 minutes), then reconnect it after waiting, it will be able to start again. Does anyone have any ideas that might help? I imagine this might be something not to fool with myself and just take it in to an electrical shop, but after looking around I figured I would check here first. Thanks very much in advance!!

[mustangtk]

Is the battery the original one? If it is then it may no longer be near its CCA (cold cranking amperage). By disconnecting the negative terminal then reconnecting it after 20-40 minutes you are giving a little spike in power that allows it to start. If its the original you can usually expect one toolast from 4-6 years depending on how many times its been discharged. The battery in my 94 lasted 6 years until I couldn't drive my car for three months (ruptured achilles in my left leg, clutch equiped car). When I was finally able to drive it again I had to jump start it and almost had it stall on me. Got a new battery that same day, walking or taking the bus sucks.

[bueno]

Thanks for the suggestion....I meant to mention that this is actually a brand new battery. I had the original battery up until now, and when it didn't start one time I assumed it was the battery and replaced it (whoops....maybe it was still okay after all but it was getting pretty old).

[shock400]

I would look for a ground in the area of the starter, any loose connection or corroded cabling connection. Mine has an occasional starter selonoid arc/ chatter.

[bueno]

Thanks for the help guys...I had it looked at today and it turned out the negative battery cable was bad (even though it looked fine)......one of the very first things I had suspected....oh well. 40 bucks to fix and it's working again.