Got my 05 Freestar 3 weeks ago, right away I got a new battery for it, Everstart Maxx with 850 CCA. Just checked, it is 12.6 volts with engine off.

Last week, and again today, this happened: Started car and the following did not work:
- radio dead
- HVAC controls dead
- turn signals dead
- fuel gauge on E and warning light on (really almost full)
- low oil warning light on (really oil is full)

Runs fine, got where I was going and parked. Started it a few minutes later and everything fine again.

??

 

The rule is to check all power and ground connections before condemning any components. Since you just got this vehicle , it may be why the previous owner got rid of it. Suggest checking all the power and ground connections first, and see what you get. Checking them means cleaning them.

 

I found the problem.

Since I got it I noticed there is more friction than expected when turning the key to start it. Well, sometimes the friction is enough that the key does not turn completely back to the "run" position from the "start" position. I just make sure to pull it back with my finger and all is fine.

Tried spraying lube in that area but not really any opening to where it is sticking. Too bad I didn't realize it needed lubricant last week when I had the steering column opened up to replace the clockspring.