Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Battery (Diagnosis and Testing)

Special Tool(s)

Micro 490 Digital Battery Analyzer 162-00004

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the system.

2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical Electrical

  • Battery

  • Battery mounting
  • Battery cables
  • Battery posts

3. If an obvious cause for a concern is found, correct the cause before proceeding to the next step.

4. If the fault is not visually evident, proceed to the pinpoint test.

Pinpoint Tests

PINPOINT TEST A: BATTERY CONDITION TEST

Test Step Result / Action to Take
A1 TEST BATTERY CONDITION Yes

Does the meter read, GOOD BATTERY? RETURN the battery to service. REFER to Section.

Does the meter read, GOODRECHARGE? CHARGE the battery and RETURN to service.

REFER to Section.

Does the meter read, CHARGE & RETEST? Fully CHARGE the battery and RETEST

No

Does the meter read, REPLACE BATTERY? INSTALL a new battery.

Does the meter read, BAD CELLREPLACE? INSTALL a new battery.
NOTE: No battery with a red test-eye should be replaced. The red eye only means the battery is discharged, not necessarily defective. NOTE: Failure to fully charge the battery before retesting may cause false readings.
  • Verify the battery condition using the Battery Analyzer.
  • Is the battery OK?
    Battery and Cables
    Vehicles are equipped with a 12 volt maintenance-free battery that contains a built-in hydrometer. The hydrometer eye indication is as follows: A green dot means the battery is OK. A yel ...

    Battery Disconnect
    WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery, always shield you ...

    Other materials:

    Air Cleaner Element - 3.8L
    Removal and Installation 1. Remove the air cleaner outlet tube. For additional information, refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Pipe- 3.8L in this section 2. Disconnect the connector. 3. Remove the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. 1. Release the clips. 2. Re ...

    Fastening the safety belts
    The front outboard and rear safety restraints in your vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The presenter arm (available on the coupe only) is intended to improve access to the safety belt and to allow access to the rear seat. Rotate the presenter ...

    Component Test
    Windshield Wiper Motor CAUTION: Do not handle the wiper motor abusively when diagnosing the wiper operations. Failure to follow this caution may result in damage to the motor magnets and will make the wiper motor inoperative. Rough handling of new ...