Car dies for a while; starts back up

[mattklatt]

Hey all,

I've got a problem that's been happening lately and I think it's an electrical problem. I'll be driving along just fine, but then the car just dies suddenly. All lights go out, speakers, stereo, etc. This has also happened right as I start the car. It'll fire up real quick and nicely, only for all the electrics to die. I can hear the fuel pump still whirring though, which is odd. After about 30 seconds to a minute, the music and everything will come back on and the car will start right back up with no problem. Any ideas what to look for here?

[wizard124]

My first look would be at the ignition switch. Also, check the connectors leading from/to the switch.

Be familiar with the connectors and which fuses are hot only in "Run". Next time it suddenly quits, check to see if those fuses are also cold which would confirm the ignition contacts.

Odd that you still hear the fuel pump. Is it FI or carbed? Is the wiring per factory?

[mattklatt]

I will do that. And post the results once it happens.

It is not wired to factory. I know that the guy that had it before me wired the light switch to the fuel pump as an "anti-theft" feature. So when the light switch is off, the fuel pump doesn't get any power.