Ford Ranger stalls then bumpstarts itself when hitting bumps

[dturner0005]

I have a 1996 ford ranger xlt with the 2.3, it has developed an issue where when i hit a bump, the engine dies suddenly and then gets bump-started again. I know the engine dies because all the dummy lights on the gauge cluster turn on. I checked all my grounds for corrosion and they all turned up clean. I flipped around the relays in the engine bay and the same issue kept happening. I am thinking it has to do something with the ignition because if it was fuel it would sputter before dying but the engine just dies in a split second. Also when it starts back up the radio turns off as if i was starting it with the starter. I also checked all the fuses and tightened any connectors could get ahold of. Are there any suggestions on how to track down this issue? Thanks in advance

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

You say the lights on the dash come on, what lights?
Does the CEL(check engine light) come on?
That means the computer rebooted

Does the radio lose its preset stations?
That means all power was cut even from battery

If you turn the key a bit can you stall the engine, loose ignition switch under steering column

There is a smaller wire on battery positive that runs to the Power Distribution Point post on inner fender, looks like the old starter solenoids
Then another small red wire from there to the engine fuse box <<<<this wire powers the whole electrical system
If its lose or corroded, at either end, then all power is cut
So check that wire

Fuse 1 in that fuse box powers ignition switch, 50 amp check it for corrosion

 

[Josh B]

If you think grounds may be an issue recheck your starter ground. After pulling the starter ground then pull the starter bolt it's grounded to and brush it off real good.
RonD posted while I was typing that so definitely cover what he said

 

[dturner0005]

Welcome to TRS

You say the lights on the dash come on, what lights?
Does the CEL(check engine light) come on?
That means the computer rebooted

Does the radio lose its preset stations?
That means all power was cut even from battery

If you turn the key a bit can you stall the engine, loose ignition switch under steering column

There is a smaller wire on battery positive that runs to the Power Distribution Point post on inner fender, looks like the old starter solenoids
Then another small red wire from there to the engine fuse box <<<<this wire powers the whole electrical system
If its lose or corroded, at either end, then all power is cut
So check that wire

Fuse 1 in that fuse box powers ignition switch, 50 amp check it for corrosion

Thank you, it is good to know all power is lost bc the radio does lose its presets

 

[dturner0005]

Also

Thank you, it is good to know all power is lost bc the radio does lose its presets

Also I don't know if the CEL comes on bc it is on anyways

 

[adsm08]

Thank you, it is good to know all power is lost bc the radio does lose its presets

Start by checking the cable connections at the battery, the engine bay fuse block, and the starter relay.

 

[RonD]

You are losing ALL electrical power, so power distribution point or engine fuse box is where you will find the loose or corroded connection

Double check main Ground wire for the Cab, runs from the back of the head to the firewall, just a short ground strap

 

[dturner0005]

Sorry if I wasn't completely clear, I dont lose all power because my headlights don't even blink when it happens.

You are losing ALL electrical power, so power distribution point or engine fuse box is where you will find the loose or corroded connection

Double check main Ground wire for the Cab, runs from the back of the head to the firewall, just a short ground strap

 

[RonD]

Then check ignition switch power path

Headlights and dash back lights are powered separate from that

 

[dturner0005]

Alright i resolved my issue. I feel really dumb but all that caused the issue was a blown fuse in the fuse box under the hood. Thank you all for the responses!