My Mustang in the shop at 1,800 miles

226embarcadero

New Member

Oct 13, 2007

10

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0

San Francisco, CA

Mar 3, 2008

#1

• Mar 3, 2008

• #1

Wondering if anyone here has had troubles with the battery or any electrical troubles.

My stang is an '08 with 1,800 miles but it would not start today. Hence, I had it towed to the dealership for analysis.

It sounds like a battery or electrical issue. Just clicks when you turn the key.

However, the last few times I started it, I've noticed something a little odd with the electrical system. The dome light would flicker for a brief second, or the door chime would sound at an odd time... unusual small things that didn't quite seem right. Then... the no-start today.

Has anyone experienced any trouble with this or something similar before... especially at such low mileage?

 

DarkFireGT

Playing with my wife's really makes me want one.

10 Year Member

May 23, 2004

692

10

89

East Moline, IL

Mar 3, 2008

#2

• Mar 3, 2008

• #2

sounds like water in the smart junction box. you probably have wet or mildewy carpet in the passenger footwell.

 

A

ARTTII

New Member

Jan 13, 2004

272

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Detroit, MI

Mar 3, 2008

#3

• Mar 3, 2008

• #3

How long have you had it? Do you drive it everyday? Or does it sit for week+ at a time?

 

226embarcadero

New Member

Oct 13, 2007

10

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0

San Francisco, CA

Mar 3, 2008

#4

• Mar 3, 2008

• #4

This is my daily driver. Driven most every day, 5 or 6 days a week.

I noticed the last few starts that something seemed strange, electrically. But it didn't make me really think until today when it didnt start.

I'm curious of the "water in the smart junction box" remark. How does that happen and effectively, why does it cause trouble?

 

Stangshark

Member

Feb 2, 2008

50

0

6

Indiana

Mar 4, 2008

#5

• Mar 4, 2008

• #5

There was a post where the cabin air filter plug that drains water becomes clogged with dirt and debris. This causes the water to back up and enter the cabin of vehicle on the passenger side. If your smart junction box has water in it, electricity and water dont play well together.

 

226embarcadero

New Member

Oct 13, 2007

10

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0

San Francisco, CA

Mar 4, 2008

#6

• Mar 4, 2008

• #6

Got my vehicle back today. They said it was a "bad battery" and replaced it.

Hmm...

Seems weird to have the battery die at 1,750 miles.

 

xxrequiemxx

Member

Aug 23, 2001

239

0

16

Long Island, NY

Mar 4, 2008

#7

• Mar 4, 2008

• #7

I would be happy if you never encountered this issue again with a battery replacement.

Isnt that covered under warranty at 1800 miles?

 

1

1965coupe

Member

Jan 1, 2004

32

1

19

Temecula, CA

Mar 4, 2008

#8

• Mar 4, 2008

• #8

Do you have the active anti-theft from the factory?

Not that it applies to you but my dealership said that it can cause battery issues if the car sits for a while.

Are any of your electronics not wired correctly? I have a DVD player in the F350 that drains the battery after 2 weeks- had to install a switch.

Sucks man. Good thing for warranties.

 

F

FarmerTom390

New Member

Feb 13, 2002

8

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0

Johnstown PA

Mar 4, 2008

#9

• Mar 4, 2008

• #9

I had a similar problem with my previous F-250 turned out only to be the battery terminals were loose, it was really weird I tightened the terminals and all was well

 

DarkFireGT

Playing with my wife's really makes me want one.

10 Year Member

May 23, 2004

692

10

89

East Moline, IL

Mar 5, 2008

#10

• Mar 5, 2008

• #10

My Magnum's battery died under 3k miles. It was pretty crazy. Of course, the dealer replaced under warranty. The thing would not hold a charge.

 

226embarcadero

New Member

Oct 13, 2007

10

0

0

San Francisco, CA

Mar 5, 2008

#11

• Mar 5, 2008

• #11

1965coupe said:

Do you have the active anti-theft from the factory?

Not that it applies to you but my dealership said that it can cause battery issues if the car sits for a while.

Are any of your electronics not wired correctly? I have a DVD player in the F350 that drains the battery after 2 weeks- had to install a switch.

Sucks man. Good thing for warranties.

Click to expand...

Yes... I have an XM unit installed which was done by Best Buy.

If the battery goes south again, I'm gonna give 'em a call. Could be that they didn't wire it correctly.

Fortunately, warranty covered it... as it should at 1,700 miles.

 

bigcat

start with the upper hole, and if more traction is

May 1, 2005

3,015

1

79

7200 feet

Mar 5, 2008

#12

• Mar 5, 2008

• #12

cars that sit on the lots for any period of time have battery problems. dealerships warranty batteries before delivery all the time.