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Fixed...Electric problem, battery cable touched ground

  • Thread starter Thread starter 2003 mustang gt modded
  • Start date Start date May 10, 2024
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2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
13
28
Florida
May 10, 2024
#1
  • May 10, 2024
  • #1
Hi. I recently changed alternator power wire, I didn't have time to put fuse inline

Somehow it came in contact with power steering pulley and was getting sporadic ground.

I fixed the cable and replaced alternator. But car turns off after 20 min of driving. When I let in cool down, it drives again.

If I don't let cool down it cranks but no start.

With hood open it starts after 10 min,
With hood closed it takes much longer.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
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May 10, 2024
#2
  • May 10, 2024
  • #2
See if the computer will communicate with a scanner or use jumper method to make the check engine light will blink, some years don't have a CEL so use a test light

Electrical - How To Pull Codes From EEC-IV In 86- 95 5.0 Mustangs

@Noobz347 - The code dump procedure isn't in the sticky - you may want to add it... Dump the codes: Codes may be present even if the Check Engine Light (CEL) isn't on. Dumping the computer diagnostic codes on 86-95 Mustangs Revised 26-July-2011. Added need to make sure the clutch is...
stangnet.com
I suspect a TFI issue but I'd start by checking the computer.
Do this checklist next time it shuts down and won't start.

Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected Mustangs

Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected 5.0 Mustangs model years 1986-1995 A word about this checklist before you start: it is arranged in a specific order to put the most likely failure items first. That will save you time, energy and money. Start at the top of the list and work...
www.stangnet.com
 
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2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
13
28
Florida
May 12, 2024
#3
  • May 12, 2024
  • #3
Thank you. I ordered tfi sensor. New ignition coil too.

With hood open it restarts much faster then hood closed.

Hood closed it will sit there for 30 min without restarting.

Hood open around 8 min.

It's definitely something under hood.

After it restarts it drives for another 20 min before shutting down.

I'll check fuel pressure next time. Maybe fuel pump relay.

I will check spark also.
 
Reactions: General karthief

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
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May 12, 2024
#4
  • May 12, 2024
  • #4
Def. Sounds heat related.
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
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#5
  • May 12, 2024
  • #5
I'm thinking heat/contact related.

Check [all] of your engine grounds. Loosen, clean, and reinstall each of the grounds strap bolts. Check the starter for burned connections. Bend and move the wires running to and from the starter. Check for burning at the connectors on each end of each of the heavier gauged wires and of course.... Check the condition fit, and finish of the battery terminals.

My guess is that you've got some burned contacts. When everything is cold, you have enough current to roll the starter over... No so much when it's all warmed up.

The trouble is, the longer you run the starter in this low voltage / high current condition, the more likely that it's going to burn up components of its own [if] that hasn't happened already.

So, you have a combination of a weak wiring system causing the burning up of starters. Replacing one or the other might get you by for a bit but I'd tackle the wiring first. Make it 100% and [then] consider replacing the starter.

An inductive current tester might be useful in this scenario. Amazon... Cheap.
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
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May 20, 2024
#6
  • May 20, 2024
  • #6
Fixed it. I had ordered distributor, coil, tfi module.
When I replaced tfi module, I noticed that upon start up it was getting hot too quickly. 5 min of running. I couldn't touch the heatsink.

Checked my timing, and it was all over the place, and fluctuating.

Replaced distributor and that solved the problem.
 
Reactions: Mcmahst and General karthief

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
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Sep 16, 2024
#7
  • Sep 16, 2024
  • #7
Found out that my car would stop pinging/knocking with lights turn off. Electrical problem. Lately pinging is became new problem.

Timing was eradic at idle. Was jumping. Maybe my ignition module is acting up.


Anyways car is old, electrical connectors at headlights and tail lights maybe to blame. My license plate light were getting super hot.

Anyone in Orlando area willing to help fixing up my ride?
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
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Sep 16, 2024
#8
  • Sep 16, 2024
  • #8
Is your alternator charging?
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
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Sep 16, 2024
#9
  • Sep 16, 2024
  • #9
Yes it does. New alternator.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
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#10
  • Sep 17, 2024
  • #10
95 mustang gt 302 said:
Yes it does. New alternator.
Click to expand...
Love it!
Specifics, volts at idle and at say.....1800 RPMs.
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
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Sep 18, 2024
#11
  • Sep 18, 2024
  • #11
Im traveling now, and left dmm at home by mistake, too broke to buy another dmm. I'm getting bad gas mileage and always pumping 93, wallet drained
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
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Sep 19, 2024
#12
  • Sep 19, 2024
  • #12
General karthief said:
Love it!
Specifics, volts at idle and at say.....1800 RPMs.
Click to expand...
What do you mean ,Love It! Your question was not specific.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
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#13
  • Sep 19, 2024
  • #13
Specific volt readings at idle and at a higher RPM
Example: 13.5 at idle and 14..5 at 2500 RPMs.
To say 'it's charging' is like 'there's air in the tires', when it's 20psi......yup, there's air in there, just not enough.
Diagnosing issues from a keyboard requires specific info.
 

Noobz347

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#14
  • Sep 23, 2024
  • #14
General karthief said:
Specific volt readings at idle and at a higher RPM
Example: 13.5 at idle and 14..5 at 2500 RPMs.
To say 'it's charging' is like 'there's air in the tires', when it's 20psi......yup, there's air in there, just not enough.
Diagnosing issues from a keyboard requires specific info.
Click to expand...

When did you get a keyboard?
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,868
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polk county florida
Sep 24, 2024
#15
  • Sep 24, 2024
  • #15
Noobz347 said:
When did you get a keyboard?
Click to expand...
I was referring to the other members that give GOOD advice not the dribble I post.
And my kindle has a key board.
I can talk to it all day long and it just comes back with 'WTF you talk'n 'bout Willis??'
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,868
10,542
203
polk county florida
Sep 24, 2024
#16
  • Sep 24, 2024
  • #16
Noobz347 said:
When did you get a keyboard?
Click to expand...
I was referring to the other members that give GOOD advice not the dribble I post.
And my kindle has a key board.
I can talk to it all day long and it just comes back with 'WTF you talk'n 'bout Willis??'
 
Reactions: Mcmahst

Mcmahst

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Sep 24, 2024
#17
  • Sep 24, 2024
  • #17
(He’s starting to repeat himself)
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
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Florida
Sep 25, 2024
#18
  • Sep 25, 2024
  • #18
Will check today, thank you for suggestion.
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
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#19
  • Sep 25, 2024
  • #19
Mcmahst said:
(He’s starting to repeat himself)
Click to expand...

I usually give him a shopping bag to play with at this point. Just make sure he doesn't put it on it head.
 
Reactions: General karthief and Mcmahst

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
13
28
Florida
Sep 25, 2024
#20
  • Sep 25, 2024
  • #20
14.5v at idle and at 2k rpm. Doesn't change. Lights on/off stays 14.5 always.
 
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