2002 Hyundai Sonata Complete Power Failure

2002 HYUNDAI SONATA
90,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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WSHILLITO
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I get a complete momentary electrical failure while driving, accessories and engine quit. Power is momemtarily interupted and returns by itself (don't have to cycle the ignition switch). I replaced the alternator, which had a bad diode. The battery was charged with a recharger when the alternator was replaced. The problem is still occuring. I thought it may be a bad ignition switch but I can't make a connection between a bad ignition switch and an alternator failing. Maybe a short in the switch?
Feb 2, 2010 at 10:09 AM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi wshillito,

Thank you for the donation.

A faulty ignition switch might momentarily turn itself off and come back on when the contacts are bad. Check if the ignition switch feel hot after driving for a short while, if yes, it is failing.

The only connection between a bad alternator and ignitin switch is that when the ignition switch fails, it does not allow the alternator to charge as ignition switch power supply to alternaotr is missing. A faulty alternator on the other hand would not affect the ignition switch.
Feb 2, 2010 at 1:11 PM
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DBAKER06
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I have the same exact problem with my 2002 Hyundai Sonata. Has anyone determined what is the root cause. I had a mechanic check it out and he could not find anything when he checked because everyone was working fine. He said it possibly could be the ignition switch.
Sep 13, 2011 at 2:01 AM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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dbaker, have you checked to see if your ignition switch is heating up? wshillito, have you been able to resolve this issue?
Nov 28, 2011 at 1:34 AM