I am trying to sell my car and the battery was.

SOME1NABOX

MEMBER
2001 FORD MUSTANG
181,000 MILES

I am trying to sell my car and the battery was having some issues. Once it was started it ran great. Eventually, it got to the point where the car would not even start with a jump, and the power was completely gone. So, I decided to stop by a local mechanic and pick up a used battery. We get the new battery installed into the car, and it didn't have a charge, so we hooked it up to jumper cables. After a minute or so, we got power back in the Mustang, dashboard and overhead lights came on, and power locks and windows were working again. However, even after waiting a bit, the car would try to start, seeming as if it would almost get there, and then we would hear the clicking noise. My husband didn't have time to mess with it any more because he had to go to work and I have someone coming to look at the car today (knows about the battery issues), but I would really like to get it started. Right now, we have it hooked up to our battery charger. But I am wondering if the problem is actually the battery, and not something else. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :) Thanks!

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,881 POSTS

You need to take a series of voltage readings when the problem is occurring. You can charge the battery, but the goal is NOT to get the engine started. The goal is to find the bad connection. You can start the process by observing the head lights or dome light. If they stay bright when trying to crank the engine, but the engine cranks slowly, the problem is in the larger battery cables going to the starter. If the lights get dim or go out, the problem is in something they have in common with the starter, and that's the battery cable connections or the connection on the starter relay on the fender. That large copper nut often works loose. It is also where the wire is connected that runs the car's electrical system including the lights.