electrical problem

I have a 99 Mustang GT Convertible with some sort of battery drain while the car is resting. I have had three new batteries in the last 12 months. Then the local Ford dealer tried a new alternator and a new serpentine belt. Still no fix. The battery charges ok, and runs all right for a day or two, but then it goes totally dead overnight. The Ford dealer has checked the electrical system time and again - they say there is nothing wrong. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

Kevin Dovel

The dealer is not looking hard enough. It's very common for them to not spend any or much time on electrical problems unless they absolutely have to for warranty reasons. Problems can take hours to trace and fix at shop labor rate only, no expensive parts(usually)and it ties up bays that could be cranking out overpriced serpentine belt changes. BTW, all are welcome here, but do you have the right forum?

I would take it to a shop that specializes in electrical work they are the quickest and they might know a common problem on some cars. Indy is right you drop it off it goes right on the back burner then they slam in another battery.

I have a 99 Mustang GT Convertible with some sort of battery drain while the car is resting. I have had three new batteries in the last 12 months. Then the local Ford dealer tried a new alternator and a new serpentine belt. Still no fix. The battery charges ok, and runs all right for a day or two, but then it goes totally dead overnight. The Ford dealer has checked the electrical system time and again - they say there is nothing wrong. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

Kevin Dovel

I agree, I think you are in the wrong forum, but I had a problem like this several years ago on a Crown Victoria. It turned out the rear window defroster connection had shorted. It was internittant, but once I disconnected the connections to the lines (on the rear window), my battery problem was no more and I had cold knuckles from scrapping ice every morning. :)

I just noticed you have a convertible. If you have no rear defroster, check the things which will be a low current drain... courtesy lights could be one such (glove box, door, overhead maplights, trunk, hood), clock, or power seat motors... do you have heated seats? You would need to test for voltage at the fuse panel with the car turned off(no key) and the doors closed, which might be difficult if you have to access the fuse panel with the door open.