2020 Ford Mustang Battery Dead? Here's What To Do

How to Fix Battery Issues on Your 2020 Ford Mustang

Experiencing battery issues with your 2020 Ford Mustang can be frustrating. From unexpected engine shutdowns to the car trying to start on its own, these problems can leave you stranded. Battery issues seem to be a problem for many car owners. As one owner shared, "Batteries just don't last the way they used to. I'm surprised that the additional load from the AC compressor would have required battery power... the amperage from the alternator should have been more than enough."

Symptoms

Owners of the 2020 Ford Mustang have reported various symptoms related to battery problems. These range from simple dead batteries to more complex electrical issues. You might notice your car struggling to start, especially after it has been sitting for a while.

Another symptom is the car attempting to start without the key in the ignition. This can be a very alarming experience and points to a serious electrical malfunction. As one owner described, "Car tried to start with no key I killed my battery so I took it to get it charged, and when I put it back in the engine tried to start all on its own."

Furthermore, some owners have noted what they describe as "electrical gremlins." This can manifest as seemingly random electrical issues throughout the vehicle, possibly related to a parasitic draw on the battery. These symptoms may include the car unexpectedly shutting down or electrical components not functioning correctly.

Some owners deal with battery issues because the car sits for extended periods. If you don't drive your 2020 Ford Mustang regularly, the battery can slowly drain, leading to starting problems. It's worth considering a battery tender if the vehicle spends a lot of time in the garage.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, one likely cause of these battery problems is related to the ignition system. Electrical malfunctions can cause the car to attempt to start on its own or drain the battery even when the vehicle is off. A faulty ignition switch or related wiring issues are potential culprits. The ignition system is responsible for initiating the car's starting sequence and a glitch in this system can cause the symptoms mentioned earlier.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a battery or ignition issue in your 2020 Ford Mustang requires a systematic approach. First, you'll need some basic tools: a multimeter, socket set, wrench set, and potentially a battery load tester.

1. Check the Battery Voltage: Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage with the car off. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. If it's significantly lower, the battery may be discharged or damaged.
2. Inspect Battery Terminals: Examine the battery terminals for corrosion. Clean them with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water if necessary. Make sure the connections are tight. As Wyvern_68 notes, clear off the "gunk on the battery terminals."
3. Perform a Load Test: Use a battery load tester to check the battery's ability to hold a charge under load. This test will simulate the starting process and reveal any weakness in the battery.
4. Check for Parasitic Draw: With the car off and all accessories turned off, use a multimeter to measure the current draw from the battery. A normal draw should be very low (typically less than 50 milliamps). A higher draw indicates a parasitic drain, which could be caused by a faulty component or wiring issue.
5. Inspect the Ignition Switch: Examine the ignition switch for any signs of damage or loose connections. You may need to remove the steering column covers to access the switch.
6. Check Fuses and Relays: Check the fuses and relays related to the ignition system and starting circuit. Look for any blown fuses or faulty relays that could be causing the problem.
7. Consult a Shop Manual: Refer to the shop manual for your vehicle or find it online for detailed instructions and wiring diagrams. As houtex727 advises, "get your shop manual out, or find it online if possible."

Step-by-Step Fix

Here's a step-by-step guide to addressing potential battery and ignition-related issues in your 2020 Ford Mustang:

1. Clean Battery Terminals: Disconnect the battery cables (negative first) and clean the terminals and cable connectors with a wire brush and baking soda solution. Reconnect the cables, ensuring they are tight.
2. Replace the Battery (If Necessary): If the battery fails a load test or is more than a few years old, consider replacing it. Ensure you purchase a battery with the correct specifications for your vehicle.
3. Check and Replace Fuses: Locate the fuse box (usually under the hood or in the passenger compartment) and check the fuses related to the ignition and starting system. Replace any blown fuses with the correct amperage rating.
4. Inspect and Replace Relays: Check the relays related to the starter and ignition. You can usually find a relay diagram in the owner's manual or on the fuse box cover. Replace any faulty relays.
5. Examine the Ignition Switch: Carefully inspect the ignition switch for any signs of damage or loose connections. If the switch appears faulty, it may need to be replaced. Disconnect the battery before removing and replacing the ignition switch.
6. Check Wiring and Connections: Inspect the wiring and connections related to the ignition system and starting circuit. Look for any damaged wires, loose connectors, or corrosion. Repair or replace any damaged wiring.
7. Test the Starter Motor: If the starter motor is not engaging, it may be faulty. You can test the starter motor by applying direct power to it. If it doesn't engage, the starter motor needs to be replaced.
8. Check the Alternator: Although LabCat62 feels the alternator should supply adequate amperage, it is essential to check its health. With the engine running, the alternator should be putting out around 13.5-14.5 volts. If it's outside this range, the alternator may need to be replaced.
9. Address Parasitic Draw: If you identified a parasitic draw, systematically disconnect circuits to isolate the source of the draw. Once you find the circuit causing the draw, investigate the components in that circuit to identify the faulty component.
10. Consider a Battery Tender: If your car sits for extended periods, use a battery tender to keep the battery charged and prevent it from going flat. As Historical_Drink_350 mentioned, their battery issue is managed by using a battery tender since their car sits in the garage often.
11. Seek Professional Help: If you are not comfortable performing these repairs yourself, or if you are unable to identify the cause of the problem, take your car to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Multimeter
• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Wire brush
• Baking soda
• Battery load tester
• Replacement battery (if needed)
• Replacement fuses (various amperage ratings)
• Replacement relays (starter, ignition)
• Ignition switch (if needed)
• Wiring repair supplies (connectors, wire, electrical tape)
• Shop manual or online repair information

Real Owner Costs

The cost to fix battery and ignition-related issues on your 2020 Ford Mustang can vary depending on the cause of the problem and whether you choose to do the repairs yourself or take it to a shop. Here are some examples based on owner experiences:

• Battery Replacement: A new battery typically costs between $100 and $200, depending on the brand and type. Installation is usually straightforward and can be done yourself with basic tools. However, some shops may charge $20-$50 for installation. As PreviousScheme1666 mentions, it's surprising when someone won't replace a $100-$150 battery to sell a car.
• Fuse Replacement: Fuses are relatively inexpensive, usually costing only a few dollars each. Replacing a blown fuse is a simple task that can be done yourself.
• Relay Replacement: Relays typically cost between $10 and $50, depending on the type and brand. Replacing a relay is also a simple task that can be done yourself.
• Ignition Switch Replacement: Replacing the ignition switch can be more expensive, as the part itself can cost between $50 and $200, and labor can add another $100 to $300, depending on the shop.
• Professional Diagnosis: If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, expect to pay between $50 and $150 for a diagnostic fee.

DIY vs. Shop Comparison:

• DIY: If you are comfortable performing basic electrical repairs, you can save money by diagnosing and fixing the problem yourself. The cost will be limited to the cost of parts.
• Shop: If you are not comfortable working on your car, or if the problem is complex, it's best to take it to a shop. The cost will be higher due to labor charges, but you'll have the peace of mind knowing that the repairs are being done by a qualified mechanic.

Prevention

Preventing battery and ignition-related issues in your 2020 Ford Mustang involves regular maintenance and proactive care.

• Regular Battery Checks: Have your battery tested regularly (at least once a year) to check its health and performance.
• Keep Terminals Clean: Keep the battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
• Avoid Short Trips: Avoid frequent short trips, as they don't allow the battery to fully recharge.
• Turn Off Accessories: Make sure to turn off all accessories (lights, radio, etc.) when you turn off the car to avoid draining the battery.
• Use a Battery Tender: If you don't drive your car regularly, use a battery tender to keep the battery charged.
• Address Electrical Issues Promptly: If you notice any electrical issues, such as a flickering light or a slow-cranking starter, address them promptly to prevent them from causing further damage.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from FORD owners:

Owner Experiences

"Batteries just don't last the way they used to. I'm surprised that the additional load from the AC compressor would have required battery power... the amperage from the alternator should have been more than enough." — LabCat62 (source)

"I'm surprised that the additional load from the AC compressor would have required battery power... the amperage from the alternator should have been more than enough." — LabCat62 (source)

"Car tried to start with no key I killed my battery so I took it to get it charged, and when I put it back in the engine tried to start all on its own." — Lusabro (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix battery issues?

A: The time to fix battery issues varies widely. Replacing a battery or fuse can take as little as 15-30 minutes. However, diagnosing and repairing complex electrical problems, such as a parasitic draw or a faulty ignition switch, can take several hours or even days.

Q: Can I drive with these battery issues?

A: It depends on the nature of the problem. If your car is struggling to start or the battery is frequently dying, it's not safe to drive. If the car is starting on its own without the key, do not operate the vehicle, as it is unsafe.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Ford Mustang?

A: While not universally common, battery issues can occur on any vehicle, including the 2020 Ford Mustang. The age of the battery, driving habits, and environmental factors can all contribute to battery problems.

Q: DIY vs. mechanic - what's recommended?

A: If the issue is simple, like replacing a battery or fuse, DIY is a good option. However, for more complex electrical problems, it's best to consult a qualified mechanic. Electrical issues can be difficult to diagnose and repair, and improper repairs can cause further damage.