elec problem with 2008 Mustang

Asked by CROWN_2050 Mar 06, 2017 at 01:01 PM about the 2008 Ford Mustang

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Even w/New batt & alternator - battery won't stay charged.  While running, radio quits, dash instru. turn off, and car stops (total elec. system failure).  Can this be result of Shaker 500 radio/stereo - or is the new alternator bad?

1 Answer

159,085

Measure the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running. It should be somewhere between 13.5 and 14.6 volts plus or minus a tenth or two. If it is less the alternator is not charging. The ECU tells the alternator to start and stop the charging. If it is not charging the wiring needs to be checked at the alternator and the big wire should be hot to the battery positive even with the key off. It sound like the battery is draining and shutting off the car. Also check the battery connections at the battery and at the starter. These connections need to be clean, free of corrosion and tight.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    3,160
  • #2
    Bob Beaman
    Reputation
    2,690
  • #3
    rst429
    Reputation
    2,640
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Corvette
26 Great Deals out of 1,064 listings starting at $15,871
Used Dodge Charger
35 Great Deals out of 643 listings starting at $4,888
Used Dodge Challenger
34 Great Deals out of 470 listings starting at $7,999
Used Ford F-150
338 Great Deals out of 15,288 listings starting at $1,712
Used Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
35 listings starting at $34,995
Used BMW 3 Series
71 Great Deals out of 1,177 listings starting at $1,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
210 Great Deals out of 5,957 listings starting at $2,975
Used BMW M3
8 Great Deals out of 90 listings starting at $15,995
Used Honda Civic
176 Great Deals out of 3,762 listings starting at $1,995
Used Lexus IS
23 Great Deals out of 313 listings starting at $5,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.