Intermittent Starting Problem - Ideas?
#1
Intermittent Starting Problem - Ideas?
We've got a 2006 Mustang 6cyl with 88K miles on it. About 5 months ago, it began having an intermittent starting problem. Turn the key, the dash lights go on, but the engine wouldn't crank - just clicking. After a couple of tries, it would start. And other times it would start just fine on the first try.
We took it to the Ford dealer thinking it was a starter and they said it was just a bad battery. We put a new battery in and everything was fine for the next 5 months. Now, the problem is back. Sometimes it starts on the first turn of the key, other times the engine doesn't crank at all. We'll keep trying and eventually it will start.
I decided to troubleshoot the problem by trying a new battery, since that seemed to fix it last time. Nope, the problem is still there.
I know it sounds like a starter, but it just seems strange that we had the problem months ago and then it went away with a new battery and now it's back again.
Does anyone have any ideas? Thank you in advance.
We took it to the Ford dealer thinking it was a starter and they said it was just a bad battery. We put a new battery in and everything was fine for the next 5 months. Now, the problem is back. Sometimes it starts on the first turn of the key, other times the engine doesn't crank at all. We'll keep trying and eventually it will start.
I decided to troubleshoot the problem by trying a new battery, since that seemed to fix it last time. Nope, the problem is still there.
I know it sounds like a starter, but it just seems strange that we had the problem months ago and then it went away with a new battery and now it's back again.
Does anyone have any ideas? Thank you in advance.
#2
Sounds like you might have a bad alternator, our mustangs OE alternators are notorious for shoddy reliability, especially the earlier model years.
Get yours tested, I believe autozone/napa/o'reillys does it for free.
Get yours tested, I believe autozone/napa/o'reillys does it for free.
#3
Throw some jumper cables on it.
If the problem persists while being jumped it's the battery/alternator. (Rules out the starter)
Autozone etc can test batteries, starters, alternators, etc. while they're still on the car...
but they aren't always accurate.
If the problem persists while being jumped it's the battery/alternator. (Rules out the starter)
Autozone etc can test batteries, starters, alternators, etc. while they're still on the car...
but they aren't always accurate.
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bryan616fl
4.6L (1996-2004 Modular) Mustang
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01-25-2019 09:07 PM