Ford Repair: 2001 windstar fails to start periodically, climate variations, battery cables

Question
Hi Dennis,

Hope you can shed some light here.  2001 Windstar...in last month has failed to start 2 times.  Both times called the AAA to 'jump start' it and then OK.  Assumed it was the battery but had battery tested and it was fine.  Van is in the shop today.  Both times this happened we had the doors open to clean it with the radio on like we have for years.  Not all day..maybe an hour or two.  What can we tell the shop guy  to look for?  He said the alternator is OK as well.  This is unnerving to say the least.  After driving it...the battery seems fine I might add....but, again...not sure if the battery is the culprit here.  Could it be the starter somehow?  This is a periodic failure...need help...thanks a lot!

Answer
The fact that it failed after leaving the doors open sounds like the battery is weak. Make sure it is load tested and rebound voltage, which is how fast the battery recovers after the load test. Your tech may call it something different. What I look for is how fast the battery regains 12 or more volts. You may want to ask for voltage drop tests on the battery cables. Is the battery original? Most will only last 3-4 years, depending on your climate variations. Let me know what you find out.

You could also have a starter concern, but I want to make sure the battery is not the problem, considering when these symptoms happened. Batteries are very fussy about high and low temps and can act up at strange times before failing completely.