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  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

Just Bought 96gt With Issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter KENS89LX
  • Start date Start date Oct 20, 2015

KENS89LX

Member
Mar 12, 2006
302
1
19
Cross lanes Wv
Oct 20, 2015
#1
  • Oct 20, 2015
  • #1
I just purchased a 96 gt, the issues are many but I'll start with the gauge cluster the water temp is pegged I unplugged the sensor on the engine with no change, and the fuel gauge also is not working correctly only goes to half when tank is full, I am new to sn95s so any help on things to check would be appreciated..
 

KENS89LX

Member
Mar 12, 2006
302
1
19
Cross lanes Wv
Oct 20, 2015
#2
  • Oct 20, 2015
  • #2
This is on a 96 gt it is under the engine toward the front and what does it ground
 

Ogre

Active Member
Sep 24, 2003
120
7
29
NC
Oct 20, 2015
#3
  • Oct 20, 2015
  • #3
On the sub-frame. There will be two holes there, one for the bolt and the other for the tab.
 

Cobra42898

Member
Jun 23, 2015
47
9
18
Gouldsboro, PA
Oct 21, 2015
#4
  • Oct 21, 2015
  • #4
The first thing that comes to mind is a bad ground, since both of those gauges are on the drivers side. Second things that comes to mind is a bad previous owner's alarm/keyless entry installation. Ask me how I know... The third thing is to check the dash itself, and make sure the metal traces on the back near the connectors are not coming loose and touching.

Tom
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Oct 21, 2015
#5
  • Oct 21, 2015
  • #5
There is a motor grounding strap that goes from the left hand motor mount to the frame rail. This ground is VITAL for the alternator and ignition system to operate correctly. Likely that some of your grounding issues are because the motor grounding strap is NOT connected.

IMO it's almost certain that the dash temperature gauge issue is GROUND or VOLTAGE related. Remember that the sensor is driven by voltage. IF the alternator voltage is low this will make the dash temperature read HIGH. Since the Mustang's alternator is grounded via the motor, EXPECT problems if the motor grounding strap is not connected.

Next review the grounds around the radiator core support. Are the CLEAN and tight? What about the battery and batter cables? Are they CLEAN and tight?
 

KENS89LX

Member
Mar 12, 2006
302
1
19
Cross lanes Wv
Oct 22, 2015
#6
  • Oct 22, 2015
  • #6
I will check it out, thanks.... that big red ground cable can someone help me on approximate location of the hole for the cable. I looked but just didn't see it
 

rattlecan96gt

Active Member
Dec 22, 2016
106
8
28
Dallas, Texas
Dec 29, 2016
#7
  • Dec 29, 2016
  • #7
wmburns said:
There is a motor grounding strap that goes from the left hand motor mount to the frame rail. This ground is VITAL for the alternator and ignition system to operate correctly. Likely that some of your grounding issues are because the motor grounding strap is NOT connected.

IMO it's almost certain that the dash temperature gauge issue is GROUND or VOLTAGE related. Remember that the sensor is driven by voltage. IF the alternator voltage is low this will make the dash temperature read HIGH. Since the Mustang's alternator is grounded via the motor, EXPECT problems if the motor grounding strap is not connected.

Next review the grounds around the radiator core support. Are the CLEAN and tight? What about the battery and batter cables? Are they CLEAN and tight?
Click to expand...
I know this is a dead thread but im running into the same issue if you could please clarify something for me I would greatly appreciate it ..that red ground cable in that pic you see is that supposed to go from the motor mount to the sub frame because mine goes from the bolt on the rac to the sub frame im have electrical issues and im thinking its a ground issue as well again if you could shed some light on this I would greatly appreciate it
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Dec 29, 2016
#8
  • Dec 29, 2016
  • #8
There should be one of the bolts that holds the motor mount plate to the block that is a two headed stud. Where the smaller is for the grounding strap ring terminal.

As others have pointed out there's a bolt on the bottom of the left hand frame rail where the other end of the grounding strap goes.
 
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