battery or alternator?

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May 21, 2006 | 07:59 AM

n1ftyneil

Thread Starter

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Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 66

battery or alternator?

Hey all,

I seem to be the only one of my friends that posts on this and keep getting questions I'm not sure about. If a mustang takes longer and longer to start but always does (had spark plugs replaced) is it most likely that the battery or alternator is on its way out? Thanks folks

N

May 21, 2006 | 09:20 AM

GREG@SN95

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Joined: May 2006

Posts: 4,135

From: JACKSON NJ

charge the battery... clean the terminals... double check your timing

May 21, 2006 | 10:40 AM

n1ftyneil

Thread Starter

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Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 66

sheesh, i swear I'm trying my hardest to learn all this, sorry. How do i check his timing?

May 21, 2006 | 11:25 AM

GREG@SN95

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Joined: May 2006

Posts: 4,135

From: JACKSON NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by n1ftyneil

sheesh, i swear I'm trying my hardest to learn all this, sorry. How do i check his timing?

you need a gun... special tool... idk how much they cost... they come w/ directions...

I'm sure timing is fine though... try chargin and cleaning the terminals... then tell me if its the same...

May 21, 2006 | 01:25 PM

Teal_Beast

V6 Power

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 944

From: Melbourne, FL

yea if you go to your autoparts store ask for a battery terminal cleaner, its like a little wire brush inside thins case, clean them off good and make sure it is tight on the terminal.

or use sandpaper

i would say battery rather then alt. though

May 22, 2006 | 12:30 PM

wnracing

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Teal_Beast

i would say battery rather then alt. though

I agree, Usually if it's the alternator you'll see a fluctuation in the lights, or something in the electronics side of things. I just replaced my alternator about a week ago, first sign of alternator going bad was lights dimming at certain RPM.

I would go to your local parts store and have the battery checked (most places do free battery check and 1hour charge if need be.) Make sure your teminals are clean and free of any buildup. If that doesn't work, many places, like auto zone will usually have a diagnostic tool to check the computer for problems, and they can usually flush the computer as well.