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:

    Torque Converter Cleaning And Inspection
    Material Item Specification MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-5-QM, XT-5-DM MERCON V 1. If a new torque converter is being installed, continue with Substep 2 of Step 2. 2. If a new torque converter is not being installed, the fol ...

    Sitting in the correct position
    WARNING: Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion and affect the decision of the passenger sensing system, resulting in serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against yo ...

    Pinpoint Test E: LFC 15/DTC B1916 - Driver Air Bag Circuit Shorted to Battery or Ignition
    Normal Operation The restraints control module (RCM) checks for driver air bag circuit shorts to battery or ignition by monitoring the voltage of circuit 614 (GY/OG) and 615 (GY/WH) at pins 3 and 4. If the RCM detects a short to battery or ignition on e ...