Ford Repair: 2003 Ford Taurus SOHC, taurus, leaks

Question
Hello Drew,

We have an '03 Ford Taurus that appears to be experiencing some sort of an electrical problem. It has only happened 2 or 3 times and seems to come and go quickly when it happens. I have experienced it once and it was very brief, while driving down the highway the instrument panel warning lights lit up, the radio "popped" loudly (kind of like some sort of interference), the anti-theft light flashed quickly, and everything went back to normal. The car itself also felt to "lose power" for a split second. I watched for it to happen for some time, but it never did. Just tonight the car was taken out and while at a stop the cluster lights flashed quickly, an audible click was heard, the doors locked, then the door chime came on as though a door was left open. The doors were opened and then closed again, it chimed once more, locked, and was fine afterward. At least this was how it was described to me. It probably is unrelated, but the starter was recently replaced because the oil from the filter was dripping on the starter which eventually killed it. This was about 2 months ago. We've had some really nasty weather here the last month or so, which caused the seal on the oil filter to shrink a bit allowing oil, to drip on the new starter. My point for bringing it up is could a possible short at the starter cause these types of problems? If not, could you suggest some place to start? The weather here has been really wet (i.e. rain, snow, ice) so I'm guessing that it's possible that water has gotten some place it shouldn't and is causing some problems. Everything seems to indicate a short of some kind, at least to me. I also should mention the alternator was tested and the battery was just replaced with the starter. Any assistance you could provide would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Kenneth,

Remove the front interior kick panels and see if the carpet matting is wet under the front carpet areas after a good rain. On the left front upper bulk head section behind your e-brake is a wire junction bulk head connector and on the right side behind your glove box is a fresh air intake tower. A water leak intrusion in the 'A' post,roof panel,or high upper cowl areas can cause a condition such as this by entering into an electronic module. It wouldn't hurt to give the trunk a look over as well.
Please let me know if you find the floor matting wet.

Thanks,
Drew Young
Rainchaser
Auto-Water-Leaks.com