• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Battery Wont Stay Charged And Car Dies.

  • Thread starter Thread starter MVG•GT93
  • Start date Start date Mar 27, 2014

Why doesn't battery stay charged with new alternator?

  • .

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • .

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    0

MVG•GT93

Active User
Mar 17, 2014
40
2
9
Mar 27, 2014
#1
  • Mar 27, 2014
  • #1
This winter I installed a new alternator and battery on my mustang. It would start and run just fine. Took it out for a drive the first time the other day and it would almost die going over bumps. Then on my way back home it died on me. The car turns over but doesn't start until battery is charged above 12 volts. I tested the battery while car was running and it ran a little below 12 volts. I don't understand why its doing this because it has a brand new alternator and battery. I lost my keys a few weeks ago and had to get a new ignition lock cylinder but I messed up the housing so bad I had to just get a whole new column with the key. Could there be an issue with that? Or am I dealing with something else?
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Mar 27, 2014
#2
  • Mar 27, 2014
  • #2
Pull the alternator and battery, have it tested at the place you bought it from. Or better still, if the car is drivable, take it to the auto parts store and have them check the charging system. They will do it for free in most cases.
Some replacement alternators have high DOA rates and often fail shortly after they are put into service.

A poorly performing battery will often cause the alternator to fail, and will not supply enough initial voltage to get the alternator working correctly.
 
M

madams74

Founding Member
Jan 26, 2002
664
1
17
Maryville, TN
Mar 31, 2014
#3
  • Mar 31, 2014
  • #3
I had same issue and found that the grounds up near the battery under the green screws were the culprit on an SN95. The 92 I have does not use them but has another ground on the chassis for the same purpose. You can remove the hold down screw and sand the metal frame and then bottom of the ring connector to assure you have a good contact and see if that helps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Alternator not charging
  • SchwarzStock
  • Jul 6, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
89
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jul 19, 2026
SchwarzStock
C
Stock 1993 charging issue at idle
  • Charlie1
  • Sep 21, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
351
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 24, 2025
Mustang5L5
C
Electrical HELP! 1989 5.0 Stick, Voltage Bleed onto Ignition Trigger wire
  • ChickenDeluxe
  • May 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
249
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 24, 2026
ChickenDeluxe
C
A
Resolved Electrical Help Please
  • Alabama
  • Jan 22, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
295
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 22, 2026
AeroCoupe
E
2007 GT Stalls when lights or a/c turned on
  • ejscarfo
  • Jun 22, 2026
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
142
2005 - 2009 Specific Tech Jun 29, 2026
ejscarfo
E
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?