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

Tiny
GLOBETREATER12
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD MUSTANG
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
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?
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Monday, July 31st, 2023 AT 2:42 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,045 POSTS
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.

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Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 AT 11:45 AM

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