I just got my 2007 GT back from the dealership after a series of problemssurrounding the elecrical system.

Dealer/Detroit Ford short version: Because I do not drive my car enough (750 miles in 5 months) the battery sends low voltage messages to the smart junction box (SJB- this hardware is new to the 2007's, I was told) whenI drive it.
Because the SJB senses these signals, it shuts down various systems. Specifically, the caris losing over half of my system monitors: tire, handbreak, oil pressure, TC, fuel & other systems. The car keeps running, it just disconnects these monitors, who go crazy with alarms, bells, etc. Last time it also shutdown my convertible top switch and turned on my dash lights (couldn't turn them off and the battery dies within hours)

Here's my beef-The problem is that this doesn't entirely make sense.Yes, I have read all about the mustang ( and many other cars) having similar low battery issues. There was even an article in the Wall Street Journal this week about today's cars overwhelming battery technology.

However, This problem has happened over 7 times, 4 of which when the car has been driving and running for hours- the battery should have had time to charge. Heck, it happened 2 miles out of the dealership upon picking the car up. (see my other threads). And whenI disconnect the battery and reset, it goes away.

All the systems check out when analyzied by the dealership.

Furthermore, most ford mustang problems reported so far with the are with dead batteries, not system failures. There's a TSB i was given related to the low battery issue but doesn't mention this system shutdown problem.

I do plan to get a battery top off charger- (Any suggestions on good ones?), but feel that there is a bigger problem that lies beneath this battery issue

Please comment if you have had any issues related to this or have any advice. I need something to go back to the dealership with. BTW- It's Ted Britt Ford, in Fairfax, VA, one with a pretty good reputation.

 

I have the same problem~800 miles in four months, but I do crank her up every other day for 5 to 10 minutes, my dealer asked if this was a DD and instructed me to do so for that reason

 

might be the leak problem that many have.......I dont have it but many people seem to. It usually does something to the SJB amongst other things.

 

Recommended charger:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

You can shop around for a cheaper charger, or a float charger, but this unit will provide various amps and test features without the fear of over-charging your battery.

 

As for chargers..I bought over the weekend a Schumacher Speed Charger SC-7500A (12V) at Walmart for about $60.00. It worked great. But since my battery was almost drained...it took me about 7 hrs to reach 100% charge. Needless to say, so far so good. I have included a link to their products..although I could not find the one I purchased there....guess they sell the next one up which is the SC-8000A

http://store.schumachermart.com/batt...-chargers.html

 

The point of the WSJ article was that while car batteries of old lasted 5 to 6 years; newer vehicles should expect battery lives of 2, possibly 3 years. The article did not even mention any thoughts that a new vehicle had to be started or driven every couple of days to prevent adead battery [which in itself is a design flaw - and a problem that should be able to be solved].

As far as your vehicle is concerned - what they told you doesn't sound right at all. Even if your systems shut down because your battery was saying low voltage - why aren't the systems restored when the vehicle is started - the battery is charging - and voltage is up? It makes no sense.

I have an 07 that has been driven 1,800 miles in 9 months or about 200 miles a month. I make sure the radio is off when I garage it; and I never activate the alarm when in storage. I have had no problems with the battery or the systems. I do pay attention to it and I do run the vehicle for 15 minutes at least once every 10 to 14 days.

 

manufactured by none other than"Dandy Don" Schumacher - a drag racing icon of sorts back in the day

 

Learn something new everyday....!

 

I have the battery tender plus and it was about 40-60 dollars and the best investment for the stang. I have had many problems with my 06 GT dying and this solved them all. I agree that I should not have to go and get a battery tender to charge the battery and maintain the proper charge for it but until Ford and its dealers fess up to a crappy electrical system design and come up with a better one and replace ours free of charge than this was the alternative that worked for me and many others. Email for specifics asI am at work and dont have the site I bought from.

 

Wait a minute, I don't understand. What does this smart junction box do? And why would the battery sends low voltage message to it when not driven frequently? [&:]

I don't have this problem, since the mustang is my daily driver. But can anyone explain that to me?