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Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT 1994-2004: Sound System and Radio Diagnostic Guide

If you're having issues with your Mustang's sound system, there are a couple of simple steps to take to figure out what the problem is. Plus, the solutions are even easier.

By David Weitz - October 21, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 and GT (1994-2004).

Don't you hate it when you flip on your sound system to listen to you favorite song and all of a sudden nothing happens. "It worked perfectly yesterday," you think. "Oh (substitute expletive here)."

Before you smack the front of your stereo or pound your fist on the dash, here are a couple of things to check out. It may be that a simple adjustment is all that is necessary and you'll be hearing your favorite tunes in no time.

Materials Needed

  • Screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Spare fuses

Step 1 – Check your amplifiers

Check the switch on your amplifier and the wires that are hooked to it.

If your system is equipped with an amplifier, check (1) to make sure an override switch didn't kick in and automatically shut off your amps, and (2) be certain the wires from your amp to the speakers are securely connected.

Figure 1. Amplifier setup on a Ford Mustang.

If this resurrects your sound, good job. If not, go to the next step.

Step 2 – Check the connections behind your radio

There are several potential problems to check here.

Sometimes, there is a remote output on the radio indicated by blue wires that go from the radio to your amplifiers. Are they connected to the radio? Are they connected to the amplifiers?

Are the rest of the wires coming from the back of your stereo securely connected? Many times, if you go over several bumps or hit a speed bump too hard, the connections on the back of your radio can loosen. Make sure everything is tightly connected.

Is there an antenna adapter plug on the back of your radio? Believe it or not, sometimes it can come out and flip a switch off or loosen another connection. Make sure this plug is secure.

Does your radio have a secondary fuse? Check to make sure that it is not blown.

Trace the ground wire from the back of your stereo to make sure it's securely connected.

Figure 2. Check all your connections.

If you've still got no sound, let's keep going.

Step 3 – Check your car's fuse box

Locate your Mustang's fuse box (usually down by the driver's side door kick panel) and make sure all of your appropriate fuses are in good working order. If any need to be replaced, do so with the correct sized fuse.

Figure 3. Check your car's fuses to make sure all are working.

There's one more place to look.

Step 4 – Check under the hood

First, check to make sure all your battery connections are secure. Second, believe it or not, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery for 30 minutes to an hour. This often will put everything back in working order.

Figure 4. Disconnect the negative battery terminal for 30 minutes to an hour.

While you've got your hood up, go ahead and check to make sure that all the wires to and from your alternator are securely in place.

Figure 5. Make sure all the wiring on your alternator is secure.

If the issues persist, it's time to check the forums.

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