i have an 87 crown victoria wagon. when i put the key in and turn it to the on position, the interior lights work, the instrument panel lights all start working and the chime sounds... As soon as i start it (the engine doesn't turn over) and let go of the key (so it goes back to the on position) all the lights including the interior lights just cut off including the chime. The horn stops working as well as ALL other internal or external lights. The battery still reads a solid 13 volts and i even tried to jump the car to see if anything would start to work. Nothing. A few hours later i looked at the car and the light under the hood was very dim which it wasn't working at all after i tried to start it. Another hour passed and then all of a sudden everything started working again but the same thing happens when i turn the key to the 'start' position and then everything stops working again. What could it possibly be? The battery cables maybe? I also tested many of the fusible links under the hood (the ones that I could find) and they all tested good. None of the fuses are blown in the fuse box.

 

Welcome to the site..

It sounds like a cable connection or a poor ground.. Certainly a place to start looking..

 

I'd replace that ignition switch. Over time they get funky from the weight of the keys dangling and can cuase some odd gremlins.

 

I also faced such problems. It was generally an issue of battery. Check all the wiring. All the best.

 

As Hayapower said. Clean the battery terminals and check ground connections to engine and body. Sounds like buildup on the terminal not allowing amp flow.

 

Recently had a like problem on a 2002 KIA. Found the battery cables to be corroded internally tho looked ok