My wife was waiting for me for about an hour playing the radio, engine off.

When she turned to start, electrical power went out. Clock stopped, radio went out, no ability to use remote entry, no power locks.

We got a battery jump start and it started instantaneously. Radio had to be coded, clock reset.

Two days later I checked out the battery and it was perfect as was the charging system.

Had further work done (about 2 hours and several on off cycles starting the engine with no alarm locking).

Retrieved my car and it died exactly as I turned the key to start. I heard a usual buzz associated with turning the key on. When I continued to the start position all electrical system was gone. Clock stopped, etc.

Waiting for the technician to check the system, the car regained complete electrical system. Again had to recode the radio. Elapsed time of power outage was about 13 minutes.

Symptoms are similar to what others have posted save one major difference which is my total loss of electrical power. If it is a bad ground or other power connection, why would it self cure?

Note, it's my hypothesis that the turning of the key to start caused an interrupt that self cured over a time lapse. The other obvious cause would be a wiring disconnect, but I wouldn't expect it to manifest itself on engaging the starter only, nor would I expect a passive cure.

Other posts refer to a 10-15 minute wait and then a restoration of ability to start.

Mechanic found the solution and I am red faced.

Very, very loose connection at ground terminal.

When I had battery checked out at national chain they noted corrosion on the positive terminal but never checked the tightness of the connection.

I paid $13 to have it checked out. I guess I got less than I paid for.

No excuses, I should have checked it myself.