Ford Repair: Windstar engine dies when hitting brakes, daytime running lights, engine vacuum

Question
Chris, My friend has a 2001 Windstar that recently developed an electrical problem I believe. This has only happened twice so far but it is rather dangerous. He'll be coming to a stop and applies the brakes and the car completely dies. I had him clean the battery terminals which didn't look bad at all but it still happened again. He also stated that when he connected the battery cable he noticed the headlight come on for a couple of seconds without the switch being on. Any ideas? Thanks.

Answer
Hi robert tahnks for asking, There are many many possiblities to this question. Is the check engine light  on while this is running? The brakes feel like they stop working because the power brakes depend on engine vacuum to have brake assistance.How dooes it run when it is running? The lights coming on are only the daytime running lights as long as they shut off about 20 seconds later it is normal for them to do that. If the check engine light is on then have it scanned somewhere and get back to me with the information then i will be able to help you further.
good luck
Chris P