Shuts off while driving, is there a way to tell if it is the battery or the alternator?

2000 FORD MUSTANG
150,000 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GLOBETREATER12
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
We replaced the battery, and it started right up. As my son started driving, the car started to lose power. Once he shut it off, it shut off again. We can jump start it, but it shuts off almost immediately. We tested the battery we had, and it was weak, but my brother told my son to let the car run so he did for about 30 minutes. Unfortunately, we can’t keep the car going long enough to get it somewhere for a diagnostic. Is there a way to tell if it’s the battery or the alternator?
Jul 31, 2023 at 2:42 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
We need to charge the battery completely before we can do any testing. here are to guides to help us get started:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

Once the engine is running again let's test the alternator.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator


Please go over these guides and get back to us.




Aug 1, 2023 at 11:45 AM
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