[Powka]

Hi guys,

I have two separate issues, I wonder if anybody can help me out?

1. When I turn the key to "standby" position before starting the car, the battery light is lit and the service engine soon light is lit. They both go away once I start the car. I just bought this used 2003 Mustang, and I'm not really sure what either of these represent.

2. A cigarette lighter doesn't seem to work in the car (I got it this way). The 12V outlet works fine. What should I look into about the cigarette lighter, and what's the easiest way to fix this?

Thank you! I appreciate any advice!

 

[6stang02]

The battery light and service engine light are normal for every car when its in standby. That means the monitoring system is working fine and the alternator is fine. An issue would be if they stayed on after you started the car. As for the cigarette lighter, Id probably buy a new lighter or just ignore it all together

 

[Powka]

The battery light and service engine light are normal for every car when its in standby. That means the monitoring system is working fine and the alternator is fine. An issue would be if they stayed on after you started the car. As for the cigarette lighter, Id probably buy a new lighter or just ignore it all together

Hey, thanks for replying man. Just to make sure I explained it well in the OP, by standby I mean after I turn the key, all lights lit up, and then every one of them goes away except these two, and they stay on for as long as the key is in standby mode ready to start the car. It's still fine, yeah? Sorry, a bit paranoid haha.

As for the cigarette lighter, is it difficult to change it? I'm sure there's a guide somewhere online how to do it, so hopefully they have one in Autozone; will do this weekend.

Thanks again!!

 

[SilverStreak00]

The lights are normal, most if not every car lights up the battery and CEL, sometimes others depending on the make.

If your cig lighter jack has no power going to it(I'm assuming you tried plugging something into it), then check the fuse. I'm not sure which one it is, but it would be listed in your owner's manual if you still have it. If fuse ok, then pull the lighter assy out and check the connections.

 

[Powka]

The lights are normal, most if not every car lights up the battery and CEL, sometimes others depending on the make.

If your cig lighter jack has no power going to it(I'm assuming you tried plugging something into it), then check the fuse. I'm not sure which one it is, but it would be listed in your owner's manual if you still have it. If fuse ok, then pull the lighter assy out and check the connections.

I've owned a few cars but never had service soon and battery lights on consistently on standby, they usually stay longer than others but still go away. Then again, I've never owned an American car, so maybe that's it, I don't know.

Understood in terms of fuses. I don't have the manual, but hopefully there's one to download online. I'll check this out today. Thanks for your help!

 

[wmburns]

FWIIW, there's a separate fuse for the lighter and the power point outlet.

99-04 fuse panel schedule:
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/foru...-1999-mustang-gt-2001-motor-swap-wont-fire-please-help-post2669271.html#2669271

IF both fuses are good, then test the ground back to a known good ground. Sometimes the outlets can burn out. Another common cause is a drink spill on the center console/tunnel.

Define what you mean by "stand by" position. If you mean the "accessory" position, then the dash lights should not be on. Confirm if this is a manual or automatic. This is important because in the manual, the accessory position is CCW.

Note, it's very possible to have a bad ignition switch. The electrical ignition switch is NOT the same as the key cylinder. It can be replaced without the need for re-programming.

If looking for a full Ford Manual and wiring diagrams on DVD I maybe able to help. PM if interested.

 

[Powka]

FWIIW, there's a separate fuse for the lighter and the power point outlet.

99-04 fuse panel schedule:
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/foru...-1999-mustang-gt-2001-motor-swap-wont-fire-please-help-post2669271.html#2669271

IF both fuses are good, then test the ground back to a known good ground. Sometimes the outlets can burn out. Another common cause is a drink spill on the center console/tunnel.

Define what you mean by "stand by" position. If you mean the "accessory" position, then the dash lights should not be on. Confirm if this is a manual or automatic. This is important because in the manual, the accessory position is CCW.

Note, it's very possible to have a bad ignition switch. The electrical ignition switch is NOT the same as the key cylinder. It can be replaced without the need for re-programming.

If looking for a full Ford Manual and wiring diagrams on DVD I maybe able to help. PM if interested.

Hey. Thanks for the note on fuses. I'll keep that in mind when going to check.

The position I meant was the "On" position - the one right before starting the engine. You can use all electrical stuff in the car when the key is in this position. Should the battery light and service engine soon lights be lit up at this point? It's an automatic.

 

[wmburns]

The position I meant was the "On" position - the one right before starting the engine. You can use all electrical stuff in the car when the key is in this position. Should the battery light and service engine soon lights be lit up at this point? It's an automatic.

When the ignition switch is initially placed into the run/on position, the cluster will perform a "lamp test". After the lamp test, the check engine and battery charge warning lights will remain on. This is normal operation.

As a reminder it's not a good idea to leave the ignition switch in the on/run position for long periods of time. If just listening to the radio, its better to use the acc position.

 

[Powka]

When the ignition switch is initially placed into the run/on position, the cluster will perform a "lamp test". After the lamp test, the check engine and battery charge warning lights will remain on. This is normal operation.

As a reminder it's not a good idea to leave the ignition switch in the on/run position for long periods of time. If just listening to the radio, its better to use the acc position.

Roger that. Thanks a lot wmburns - that's good to know! I'm less stressed now.

Quick question, if you don't mind, as you seem to know this stuff: I bought the car used with 150k miles, and the service soon light was on already. Do you think I need to service the engine, or simply go for a check up first and see what the mechanic says?

 

[wmburns]

Quick question, if you don't mind, as you seem to know this stuff: I bought the car used with 150k miles, and the service soon light was on already. Do you think I need to service the engine, or simply go for a check up first and see what the mechanic says?

As a reminder that you are posting in the TECH section. This is where guys/girls go to get help to fix their cars themselves.

Almost all auto parts stores will pull ODB2 DTC codes for FREE. There's no real excuse for not knowing what the DTC code is.

Remember there are 1000's of codes and they each have a story to tell. So post all of the complete codes.