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My daughter started her 1997 Bonneville SE yesterday morning upon which it stopped running. When she tried to restart it, it would crank but not start. Also, the windows and door locks would not work and the rear defrost light would come on when the door was opened. The car has a new battery and the terminals are clean. I drove to her apartment that evening and found the car was doing the same as described. I decided to disconnect the battery and reconnect it to see if that would do anything. The car started and the windows, locks, and rear defrost button all worked. My concern is having this happen again. Any ideas on what may be causing this would be appreciated.

The battery cables might have been just a bit loose.

But you could look at the ground busses under the a-pillars, and the fues panels for corrosion.

Driver's side ground bus. Windows, locks & fuel pump are a few of the things that share that ground. They get wet & corrode - common problem.

for sure the bus ground on the drivers side. Had the SAME problem not too long ago. Used a toothbrush and baking soda, put some wd 40 to prevent moisture and I just keep it hung out of the carpet so if there are anymore problems, it is a quick fix. Windows, locks and fuel pump run off of it. That is why it cranks and doesnt start.

I appreciate your help. Could you tell me where the drivers side ground bus is located?

Going to check it tomorrow when I can get over there. Will let you know what happens. Thanks!

Car would not start when I got to it today. Cleaned the bus ground on the drivers side as you recommended and the car is starting right up. Thanks again.

That is great news. That always works like a charm.