This just happened twice today - no prior warning. On turning key, instr lights show, but when go to start, there is a "clunk" and *all* power goes off (even wipes the radio settings). I open the door and the power comes back on. Car starts normally. I shut down 3 minutes later (after checking under the hood to see if anything looks loose or is sparking, etc. - all normal looking).
Try to start again. No "clunk" but also no power. Opening door has no effect - I think that was a coincidence. Try a few more times to turn the key and and the third try I get instr lights and the car starts normally. I run an errand, leaving car running for 20 minutes. Come back and shut down.
Is there a master relay or control module that would allow such a total failure? Is it possibly the ign switch? I saw no check light when the car was running.
Thanks!