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Help: Electric functions stop then dead battery


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MelT
New User

Aug 2, 2011, 11:40 AM

Post #1 of 5 (1873 views)
Help: Electric functions stop then dead battery Sign In

Year of vehicle: 2006
Make of vehicle: Ford
Model of vehicle: Mustang (standard)
Engine size: 4.0 V6
Mileage/Kilometers: 65k

Color: Blue

Hello. My mechanic is unreachable, so I'm asking for advice here. I'm not much of a mechanic myself.

My Mustang hesitated starting yesterday, which it never does. Then after driving a few miles, all electrical controls ceased. A/C stopped, electric windows and locks wouldn't work, etc., but the car still ran. I pulled over in a parking area and shut off the car. I tried restarting and it sounded like a dead battery. After calling AAA and talking to them while the car sat, the car started again. I drove it the remaining few miles to my house, and on the way the electric functions stopped again. Pulling it into my driveway, I shut it down and it once again would not start and sounded like a dead battery.

I checked it for loose battery cables and the belt seems tight and not worn.

1) What does this sound like? Alternator?
2) AutoZone will check the electrical system, but does it hurt to drive the car as-is up there to check? (I would follow with a chase car and jumper cables, of course.)
3) Should I buy one of those code checkers and follow up on that?

Thanks,
Mel


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Aug 2, 2011, 5:21 PM

Post #2 of 5 (1856 views)
Re: Help: Electric functions stop then dead battery Sign In

Well the 1st step would be to have the battery checked. The fact that the car started all by itself after sitting leans towards the problem being somewhere else. But it also doesn't mean the battery isn't the problem either so have it checked.

After that all you can really do is just the visual stuff you've already done. A code reader is just that. A tool to tell you what area is being affected. It's not going to tell you what the problem is so if your knowledge is limit in this area it may better quicker & cheaper to have your mechanic or another shop look at it.....

If you just want the codes pulled, most parts stores or shops will do that for free for you.... call around


MelT
New User

Aug 2, 2011, 7:57 PM

Post #3 of 5 (1849 views)
Re: Help: Electric functions stop then dead battery Sign In

 


(This post was edited by MelT on Aug 6, 2011, 9:17 AM)


Natasha
New User

Aug 18, 2011, 1:03 PM

Post #4 of 5 (1814 views)
Re: Help: Electric functions stop then dead battery Sign In

You can do a general check on alternator by starting car and pull off battery cables. If car runs alternator may be still ok. But always best to get checked for proper readings cause, it could be going out, and only working part time.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Aug 18, 2011, 1:41 PM

Post #5 of 5 (1812 views)
Re: Help: Electric functions stop then dead battery Sign In


Quote
You can do a general check on alternator by starting car and pull off battery cables. If car runs alternator may be still ok. But always best to get checked for proper readings cause, it could be going out, and only working part time.


NO, YOU SHOULD NEVER CHECK AN ALTERNATOR THAT WAY.

That's the fastest way known to fry every computer in the car. Please refrain from giving advice here unless you are qualified to do so.



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