A friend of mine has an 89 5.0, here's the problem. When trying to start the car nothing happens except that all the power is killed for about 30 seconds and then returns. It sounds like there is a short and a circuit breaker is kicking and then resets after 30 seconds. Everything in the starting circuit has been replaced from what I understand, starter, solenoid, etc. Any ideas???? thanks.

 

its sounds like the ignition switch in the steering column

 

But after trying to start it, headlights and other power doesn't work at all until about 30 seconds later. Can the ignition switch do this? If you just turn the key to the on position from off everything is ok....all electrical power is in place. It is only once it has tried to start does it shut everything off....for about 30 seconds.

 

take off the steering column plastics and unplug the ignition swtich and see if one of the prongs are burnt

 

I'll pass that on, thanks.

 

if the switch doesnt work the car wont start