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Ford Mustang V6 2005-2014: Why Won't My Windows and Radio Work?

So, you press the power button on your new stereo and nothing happens. The power windows aren't working, either. Gremlins? Maybe, but here are some more likely possibilities.

By Ben Mannino - October 14, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 (2005-2014).

The electrical system in your vehicle is a touchy thing. Fix one problem, and three other issues take its place. If you find that the power windows and the radio aren't working in your Ford Mustang, it's time for some detective work. This article will take you through the troubleshooting process.

Materials Needed

  • Multimeter
  • Fuse puller/pliers
  • Flashlight (optional)

Step 1 – Determine what recent changes you have made

Before touching a wire, think about any recent work you have done to the car. Have you added or removed any component that involved a wiring change? A popular vehicle upgrade is adding a new stereo. Most aftermarket stereo systems involve interfacing a new wiring harness, and this can lead to a host of electrical issues if two wires are accidentally crossed. This is not hard to do when you have 20+ wires color coded as shown in Figure 1.

So the first step in troubleshooting is to backtrack and check all of the wiring changes you made, no matter what upgrade you performed. It may not have involved wiring either—you might have attached a new accessory that caught the edge of a wire and shorted it out. I would suggest removing any components you installed and look closely for any affected wires in the vicinity.

Figure 1. Mismatched wires could be the problem.

Step 2 – Check your fuses

Nine times out of ten, it's a fuse that has burned out. Now it might be as easy as locating the specific fuses for your radio or power windows, but many times it could be a different fuse that shares some of the same circuitry. Check your accessory fuse, and spend the time pulling and inspecting every fuse in the box to try as well as find the culprit.

Figure 2. Be sure to check ALL the fuses.

Step 3 – Look for signs of moisture

Water is great for drinking, showering and swimming, but it's like a wrecking ball in your electrical system. Even just a hair of moisture in the right spot can cause all kinds of electrical issues.

There are a number of ways water can find its way inside the vehicle. You might have clogged drains that cause the water to build up in the HVAC system. As the car twists and turns, the water can make its way in and around the dash, affecting any exposed electrical connections.

Check all of your drain tubes for clogs, and clear them to release any accumulated water. Then run the heat to evaporate any remaining water and dry out the interior as much as possible.

Figure 3. Check your drain openings.

Step 4 – Test the circuits

If the first three steps didn't resolve the issue, it's time to dig a little deeper. Check out a circuit diagram for the radio and power windows, and use a multimeter to check for voltage levels on the wiring harnesses. Once you find out which wires don't have the correct voltages, check for continuity along the affected wires.

Figure 4. Check your voltages.

You might find that you simply have a loose/corroded connector, or there may be a break in the wire.

If the issues persist, then the issue may require a more intensive repair. If you've checked all of the basics and nothing visible seems awry, then it may be time to consult a professional.

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