Charging problem

Mean98GT · Dec 6, 2009

This is really frustrating. The car has died a few times while running. I know that just screams alternator. But most of the time when it does this I can start it right back up. It did this a few months ago but I changed the terminals and that fixed it. Now its doing it again. Also, sometimes its just dead when I go to start it, but I can wait a few seconds or try it a few times and magically the volts on the dash go right up to normal and it fires right up. One more thing to add, One of the times it died while running I noticed the air bag warning light flashing a few times. Anyone have any idea what this is?
It almost seems as if the power is there, but it doesnt all get to where it needs to be?
Thanks..

CC'S95GT · Dec 6, 2009

sounds like a loose gnd somewhere.
make sure there is no dirt, oil, or paint under the wires.
There's not only 1 gnd wire on the battery/engine. Batt to engine, engine to frame, frame to firewall.

Mean98GT · Dec 7, 2009

that would make perfect sense. thanks for that.

HISSIN50 · Dec 7, 2009

Also check the PDC connection (on the side of the underhood fusebox) for corrosion or a loose fastener.

Mean98GT · Dec 9, 2009

Alright I'm extremely embarrassed to admit this, but I have to put it out there. Hooked up an xcal 2 to it and read the codes. Got the normal code for no cats. Also got a P1260. Now I have never heard of said code. Looked it up and it read as follows "P1260 - engine code - Theft detected engine disabled." Turns out when I installed a water temp gauge I removed the wrong sensor causing the fan to run without stop and make the computer go crazy. Anyways, fixed. You live and you learn.

HISSIN50 · Dec 9, 2009

Do you think that really solved it? I would be prepared for it to act up again (the code would seem to be a symptom, not a cause, and having a disconnected ECT would probably not cause a theft detection code, even if your fan ran at all key-on times).

Mean98GT · Dec 9, 2009

Grounds checked out good. alt/bat checked out good. Codes were cleared and I did wayyyy more than a full driving cycle today and the code never tripped again. Voltage is now stable at all times and its running a million times better. Talked to huber today and he said it sounds like its all good. When it comes to mustangs I say TRUST IN JON HUBER.

cmher18 · Dec 20, 2009

HISSIN50 said:
Do you think that really solved it? I would be prepared for it to act up again (the code would seem to be a symptom, not a cause, and having a disconnected ECT would probably not cause a theft detection code, even if your fan ran at all key-on times).

Yes because what happen he disconnected the sensor that the computer uses to know how hot the motor is and when to turn the fans on. When this sensor is not working it sends the computer into saftey mood/lemp mood thinking the motor is 255*. When this happens it will stall the motor/shut down thinking the motor is over heating. AKA pulling all timing out of the motor. Did you get the o2 fixed yet?

HISSIN50 · Dec 21, 2009

So you're saying a disconnected ECT and the theft code are related? I did not know this. I thought 1260 pertained to the PATS.

cmher18 · Dec 21, 2009

HISSIN50 said:
So you're saying a disconnected ECT and the theft code are related? I did not know this. I thought 1260 pertained to the PATS.

Im talking about the Motor that kept stalling on him Sorry. I know once we fixed everything back to How it should be everything is Normal

But my theft light would go wack when my computer was messing up due to burnt ground.

Mean98GT · Dec 25, 2009

yeah that fixed it alright. again, thanks to chris my car is back to running correctly. the comp shut down the whole car because it thought i was running 255 degrees water temp.