2005 Ford Mustang Logo
Anonymous Posted on Dec 11, 2011

Dashboard lights and gauges go out, windows won't work

While driving, the ABS light came on, the headlights started going dim, the radio shut off, the electric windows wouldn't work, and all the dashboard lights went out. The car continued running, but the gauges kept going on and off. When I shut down the car, it would not restart because of a drained/dead battery, but I could get it started with a jump.

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  • Posted on Dec 11, 2011
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Your alternator is out. Those are classic symptoms of alternating going out. The alternator recharges your electrical system and when it goes out a list of strange things go on inside the dash, and you won't be able to go very far on just a battery. I'm glad you at least made it home. But yes you will need a new alternator for sure. Please rate this response so I can get my ratings back up to 90% at least.

  • Cricket Sep 17, 2013

    I had a very similar issue and had a new battery installed. The car runs perfectly, no problem starting however the speedometer, the RPM gauge and the temp gauge do not work. I would appreciate any suggestions you may have

  • Matt Luther
    Matt Luther Oct 22, 2013

    i had the same exact issue happen to me but i had my alternator tested twice and they said it passed both times so what is causing the alternator to not work or what is the problem

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  • Posted on May 16, 2014
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Did anyone ever find out what was causing this problem? I am having the exact same issues with an '08 Explorer. Battery was replaced the first time it happened, and the car drove fine for a couple of days, then it happend a second time. The alternator tests good... but ABS light comes on, power everywhere starts going out... dashboard lights go out, speedometer doesn't work, gas gauge doesn't work, windows, radio and A/C all lose power. However, the interior lights continue to work and my phone will still charge. If I shut the car down during this episode, it will not restart. However, I kept driving the second time, and was able to drive an hour to my house. About 3/4 the way home, everything started working again... on its own. Ideas please...

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