Charging system issues?

2011 FORD MUSTANG
82,000 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
TERRANCE D FARMER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
car starts after a jump but drops voltage, is it my alternator? should i even start there i don't have any wiring diagrams for it, every place tells me it's a different fuse i need to check, is there a way to bench test an alternator that isn't confusing as heck? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Oct 27, 2022 at 1:32 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,176 POSTS
Once the car is running, use a voltameter to check the alternator output.

Here is a guide to help:

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

If it turns out the alternator is working, I would say the battery is bad. here is a charging system wiring diagram so you can see how the system works. This guide can confirm the battery failure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

The wiring diagrams show the fuses that run the system so you can check them as well. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Oct 27, 2022 at 9:47 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
TERRANCE D FARMER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you so much for exactly what i was looking for i appreciate the help! i don't quite understand the wiring diagram...
Oct 27, 2022 at 10:04 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,176 POSTS
It is like a road map game; follow the wires and they show you how it works, and the components involved. Usually the alternator is the problem, I would get a top-quality rebuilt unit and install it. Let me know.
Oct 29, 2022 at 1:59 PM